Essendon Football Club has long drawn on the country heartland to find some of its most courageous and talented players.

From all over Australia, country footballers have provided the Bombers with plenty to smile about.

Here’s a look at a best 18 side made entirely of Essendon’s greatest country players.

FB: Terry Daniher (Ungarie) Anthony Daniher (Ungarie) Chris Daniher (Ungarie)

HB: Dean Solomon (Broken Hill) Roger Merrett (Kaniva) Bluey Shelton (Avenal)

C: Merv Neagle (Nhill) Zac Merrett (Cobden) Dyson Heppell (Leogatha) 

HF:  Tim Watson (Dimboola) Scott Lucas (Camperdown) Dean Wallis (Nhill)

FF: Alan Ezard (Broadford) John Coleman (Hastings) Leon Baker (Avenal)

F: John Barnes (Cobram) Ronnie Andrews (Ballarat) Glenn Hawker (Kaniva)

Coach: Neale Daniher (Ungarie)