In the AFL in 2016, droughts aren't what they used to be.

Defenders who were once anchored to their post can now push forward and kick the goal they've always dreamed of, getting the monkey off their back.

Rewind through the game's history, however, and there are stories like that of Collingwood premiership full-back Charlie Dibbs.

Dibbs kicked a goal in his first season in 1924 but played another 219 games and retired without another, the longest drought in the game's history.

Later, in the 1970s and '80s, Fitzroy and South Melbourne/Sydney Swans full-back Rod Carter waited 215 games before kicking his first goal.  

Brisbane Lions defender Mal Michael (87 games), Fremantle's Shane Parker (71) and Port Adelaide's Darryl Wakelin (73) are more modern names who have experienced a significant goal drought through their careers.   

The game has changed, but goal droughts still exist. So who is enduring the longest dry run at your club?

KYLE CHENEY
Drought: 38 games
Last goal: Round Three, 2012

The gutsy backman has proved really solid value since crossing to West Lakes from Hawthorn and he's played every game so far this year. But while Cheney's an obviously talented negator in defence, we haven't seen him transition up the ground to hit the scoreboard for the Crows. He booted two while playing for the Hawks but doesn't look like adding to those any time soon while entrenched deep in the Crows' back half.

All Australian backman Daniel Talia has kicked five goals in his 106-game career, and has slotted just one from his last three seasons. Fellow backman Luke Brown has four majors next to his name from 77 games. He's kicked one goal in each of his last four seasons and bagged a late goal in Round Five against the Hawks this year.

- Harry Thring and staff writers

Yet to kick their first AFL goals: Kyle Hartigan, 35 games; Jake Lever, 20 games

Click here to read AFL Media's full list of players with the longest goal droughts