From his debut in 1999, through to the 2004 Nations Cup in Adelaide, Nelsen barely missed a beat for the AWs and always made himself available (was utterly immense at Confeds 03). His 3 year hiatus was for a very specific reason, but he was again fully on board after his return.
Bear in mind Rufer was playing in the days prior to official windows where clubs had to release players etc. And Ryan was also working hard to establish himself in the Prem - at a time where travel, to the other side of the world, was often in coach class, meaning he often picked up niggly injuries etc
Yes it would be awesome to have all our best players all the time - but our particular circumstances don't always make that possible...
And sorry Russ, but Wynton is top10, no question - watch some of those games from the late-80s early 90s and he's the best player on the pitch, from either side, by a mile...
It's funny how two people see different things Milts. I had a lot to drink in France but my recollection is that Danny Hay was best player in 2003, and outperformed Nellie by some distance. Elliott had a decent tournie too.
I want to say Nelsen was great in 1999 but when you get to my age.....well, I'm just happy not to be pissing in my slippers