Just who is Carlton’s greatest player? It’s a question that has forever and a day provoked heated discussion amongst any Blue believers blessed with an opinion.

And in this the 150^th anniversary of its hallowed existence, the Carlton Football Club has seen fit to settle the debate by naming Numero Uno and the cream de la crème of its senior playing ranks – the top 12 Carlton players of all time – in order of merit.

Number 4: Alex Jesaulenko

When the great Ron Barassi published his memoirs in 1995, he volunteered three teams comprising the best players he had played alongside, the best he had coached and the best he’d seen.

Only two individuals were named in all three of Ronald Dale’s exalted teams, and both hailed from Princes Park – John Nicholls and Alex Jesaulenko.

Almost 35 years after his last hurrah as a Carlton player, Jesaulenko remains the quintessential football genius - a prodigious talent who made the great Australian game his own.

Sporting the famous No.25 on his back, “Jezza” earned iconic status through 256 memorable Carlton contests including the Premierships of 1968, ’70, ’72 and ’79 – the last as Captain-Coach.

A fabulous high mark, a virtuoso at ground level and a freak around goal, Jesaulenko was a matchwinner whether forward, back or midfield, and his wizardry warranted shrill cries of “Jezza” whenever he neared the air conveyance.

As a three-time club leading goalkicker (and still the only Carlton footballer to boot the ton in a season), Jesaulenko got the turnstiles clicking through a truly glorious epoch at Princes Park.

As those who bore witness to his mastery will tell you, there’ll never be another “Jezza”.