Is this SA’s greatest football team ... EVER?

South Australian legend Neil Kerley training for a state game. Source: News Limited

SA football began in the 1860s, was organised as a league in 1877 and had produced a team of national champions at the Australian carnival in 1911.

And after 150 years of South Australia building a significant foundation stone to "Australia's Game" finding the ultimate state team is the ultimate challenge.

There are almost 2000 players to consider from a rich stable of SA footballers; at least 100 who would walk into their clubs' Teams of the Century and almost 50 who have earned induction to the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

MORE: SEE SA'S GREATEST FOOTY TEAM HERE NOW AND VOTE

Now narrow it to 25 — and give them a coach and an umpire to send on tour.

There are stand-out selections. Triple Magarey Medallist Barrie Robran is SA's only "Legend" in the Australian Football Hall of Fame. He could fit three roles — defender, midfielder or forward.

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Handing him the toughest task in football, playing centre half-forward, suits Robran perfectly.

Four-time Magarey Medallist Russell Ebert surely takes centre.

Brownlow-Magarey Medallist Malcolm Blight stands in the ruck battery working with Magarey Medallist Tom Leahy, who was the SA game's first great ruckman — a player well before his time and deserving to be remembered in an all-time team.

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Triple Magarey Medallist Len Fitzgerald stands out at centre half-back — as does Ken Farmer at full forward whose record as the greatest goalkicker in SA football history makes him too difficult to dislodge in the goalsquare. But there will be arguments, particularly when modern-day players such as forwards Scott Hodges and Tim Evans and defenders Greg Phillips and Michael Taylor have outstanding records that must be considered.

Every position in the all-time team has three perfect candidates. But as every coach knows, at selection there are just 25 spots to fill — 18 on the field, four on the bench and three emergencies.

MORE: SEE SA'S GREATEST FOOTY TEAM HERE NOW AND VOTE

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Is this SA’s greatest football team ... EVER?