Who is the next Cameron Ling?

With Cameron Ling announcing that he will retire from the AFL, it begs a question of all football commentators and pundits. I speak not of who the new Geelong captain will be, or who will hold the honour of being the game's best tagger, but of who will now be regarded as the ugliest player in the League. Ling has left some big furry orange shoes to be filled, and Flexoskeleton would like to name the following candidates.

1. Aaron Sandilands

Already one of the tallest and heaviest men to play the game, there is no reason this man-mountain should not also hold the honour of the game's ugliest mug. Similar to Ling, Sandilands is one of the premier niche players in the competition and has earned the respect of his peers despite his appearance.

2. Chad Cornes

Although Chadwick announced his retirement this year, he has been strongly linked with new team Greater Western Sydney and if he plays, we believe Chad has a very strong chance of taking Ling's mantle. Chad, like his father Graham, has a truly haggard appearance. However he differs from Ling in that he also has a personality to match. What has endeared us to Ling over the years was his loveable character in spite of his truly unsightly looks. In the case of Chad, it seems he has no redeeming features as a human whatsoever. (OK, maybe he was a reasonable footballer...)

3. Dean Brogan

Dean is in a similar boat to Chad in that he is officially retired, but expected to play on in a mentoring role at GWS next year. He is also similar to Chad in that he has a truly ugly personality to match his 'smacked-arse' face. Flexoskeleton sees no reason why the former Adelaide 36ers player should not hold the position of the AFL's ugliest player except that the bloke might take it as a compliment.

4. Jarryd Roughead

Flexskeleton understands it is tough being compared to Luke Hodge and Lance Franklin every weekend, but even without these comparisons, Roughead is a pretty ugly dude. Roughead is however a top-class player and is a redhead like Ling. He is a more than suitable candidate.

5. Lewis Roberts-Thomson

I do not believe words are necessary. Poor Lewis. At least he'll always be a premiership player.

6. Todd Banfield

Todd is the ideal player to take over as the games ugliest player. A fiery red-nut and a nuggety style of play, he is the most Ling-like player around. Furthermore, he's hideous. This is Flexoskeleton's choice for the new ugliest man in AFL.

So there you have it. One of these men should be set to take one most revered and least respected titles in the AFL. Feel free to cast your vote or suggest new candidates in the comments.

As an end note, Flexoskeleton would like to acknowledge some retiring players who have been close to laying claim to Ling's crown their whole careers, but because of Ling's exceptional skill in this area, were never quite good enough. Cam Mooney, Leigh Brown and Brady Rawlings are also retiring this year and will never get hold the title as the game's ugmo. However, your faces will never be forgotten (unfortunately.)