Dal Santo names his top 10 players of the decade

Nick Dal Santo has revealed his top 10 players of the past decade. Speaking on SEN.com.au, Dal Santo gave a reason behind all 10 selections, and chose his number one selection because he was the most "consistent" player if the decade. Joel Selwood “The most courageous and tenacious player we’ve seen this decade." “Five-time All-Australian (three as captain), three best and fairest awards as well as a coveted premiership, which took his tally to three overall. “Selwood leads Geelong from the front with his attack win the ball and his ability to step up when needed.” [caption id="attachment_30085" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Joel Selwood of the Cats kicks the ball during the 2019 AFL round 01 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)[/caption] Lance Franklin “Shared his time with both Hawthorn and Sydney over the last decade." “Has seven All-Australians to his name plus three Colemans, eight of 10 seasons as club leading goalkicker and of course, a flag. “Buddy has kicked the most goals in the last 10 years of footy with 639. Second best trails him by 65.” [caption id="attachment_22744" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Lance Franklin of the Swans celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round 21 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 12, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Gary Ablett “While the majority of his absolute best footy came before 2010, Ablett’s achievements cannot be underestimated." “Left Geelong for the Suns in 2011 and managed to add a second Brownlow during his stint on the Gold Coast. “Has five All-Australians this decade, four Suns best and fairest awards and a pair of league MVPs. “An all-time star of the game.” [caption id="attachment_34685" align="alignnone" width="696"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 28: Gary Ablett of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL round 15 match between the Geelong Cats and the Adelaide Crows at GMHBA Stadium on June 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Sam Mitchell “One of the most prolific midfielders in the game since 2010, averaging over 620 possessions per season." “Landed himself a Brownlow, five best and fairests and three All-Australians to go along with his trio of flags. Similar to Hodge, was integral to that Hawthorn success. “Tremendous ball use, clever hands and always good in big games.” [caption id="attachment_9715" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Sam Mitchell of the Hawks in action ahead of Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs during the 2016 AFL Second Semi Final match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Western Bulldogs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 16, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Luke Hodge “The general of Hawthorn’s terrific three-peat side." “Hodge’s leadership during the past decade coincided with one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. “There’s no denying his influence on a playing group which extended into his two impressive seasons with Brisbane.” [caption id="attachment_16524" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Luke Hodge of the Hawks celebrates during the 2017 AFL round 23 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on August 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Nat Fyfe “His list of individual accolades is phenomenal. A pair of Brownlows, two league MVPs, three-time best and fairest and three times an All-Australian." “Plays the game with an almost laconic nonchalance while being the inspiration for those around him.” [caption id="attachment_20672" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Nat Fyfe of the Dockers contests the ball during the round nine AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Fremantle Dockers at Sydney Cricket Ground on May 19, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Alex Rance “Has been the pre-eminent defender of the last 10 years. Five consecutive All-Australian blazers highlights that." “Rance is a great leader who is rarely beaten. A premiership player, best and fairest winner and two-time runner-up as a key defender, which is a remarkable return. A true competitive beast.” [caption id="attachment_26613" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 6: Alex Rance of the Tigers handpasses the ball during the 2018 AFL round seven match between the Richmond Tigers and the Fremantle Dockers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption] Dustin Martin “Dusty is the most significant player of the past three years, but his brilliance also stems back to his debut season in 2010." “He’s missed just seven games since debuting. “Two premierships, two Norms, a Brownlow, three All-Australians, two best and fairest, two best finals player. The ultimate big-game performer.” [caption id="attachment_35337" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Dustin Martin of the Tigers celebrates after the final siren during the 2019 AFL Second Preliminary Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Patrick Dangerfield “Danger is up there with the game’s most dynamic midfielders." “Spent the decade with both Adelaide and Geelong, winning four best and fairest awards and one Brownlow Medal. “Seven All-Australian selections solidifies his standing.” [caption id="attachment_33309" align="alignnone" width="696"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats is seen to be in pain after landing awkwardly during the 2019 AFL round 21 match between the Geelong Cats and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium on August 10, 2019 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Scott Pendlebury “Kicked off the decade with a flag, the Norm Smith and an All-Australian. Closed it by finishing second in the Copeland Trophy in a season where he reached his 300-game milestone," Dal Santo told SEN.com.au “Five best and fairest awards and six All-Australians is outstanding. “Simply put, Pendles has been THE MOST consistent player of the last decade.” [caption id="attachment_30404" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies runs with the ball during the round 12 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 11, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/AFL Media/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	BL	5	5	0	20	120
2	GC	4	4	0	16	168.3
3	HAW	4	4	0	16	127.4
4	COLL	5	4	1	16	127.1
5	GWS	4	3	1	12	149
6	GEEL	5	3	2	12	131.3
7	ADEL	5	3	2	12	130.4
8	STK	4	3	1	12	112.3

Dal Santo names his top 10 players of the decade

Nick Dal Santo believes Scott Pendlebury has been the best player over the past decade.

Joel Selwood

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