Prior’s expected move to Culcairn was confirmed earlier this week, so The Border Mail asked two leading identities for their top-liners.

Lavington’s John Hunt, who turned 39 yesterday, is the only player left from 1998, while former league general manager Ron Montgomery is one of its keenest watchers.

Both had no hesitation in placing former Yarrawonga and Carlton star Brendan Fevola as number one.

“He was brilliant and just what he did for the football club, got them into finals, kicked 100 goals (in 2012), he did it all,” Montgomery said.

“He could turn a game at any stage.”

Fevola spent four years at the Pigeons (2012-15) and also played a guest game to start 2016.

“Basically because of the impact he had not only on Yarrawonga, but the league in general, the amount of theatre he brought,” Hunt said.

“Not only his goalkicking and marking, but his bodywork is probably second to none.”

Wangaratta captain Michael Newton and former Wodonga powerhouse Darren Bradshaw were the other players to feature on both lists.

“Just on the strength of last season’s finish and if we had him fit every week, I’m sure he’d kick 100,” Montgomery said of Newton, who won last year’s Did Simpson Medal after destroying Albury’s hopes of a record-equalling four flags with a sublime eight goals.

Newton has spent three years with the Pies.

“Ask in another five years and he’d probably move up another one or two rankings,” Hunt said.

Hunt also had enormous respect for centre half-forwards Jon Henry and Tim Sanson.

The veteran couldn’t find space for Lavington team-mate Prior, but Montgomery could.

“He went from a brilliant player and as he got older, he became more workmanlike playing roles coaches expected,” he said.