Nick Dal Santo believes five young players stood out from the rest and had breakout seasons in 2019.

Speaking onย SEN, Dal Santo mentioned he should have included Blues midfielder Sam Walsh in the following list.

However, the following five players have all had outstanding years that have set them apart from the rest according to Dal Santo.

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1. Rowan Marshall (St Kilda)

While Dal Santo's selection of the Saints ruckman may raise some allegations of bias towards the St Kilda midfielder, Marshall's performance over the course of 2019 is certainly worthy of this list.

The 23-year-old ruckman ranked 8th in total hitouts across the 2019 season while also being able to clean up around the contest, averaging 17 touches per game.

"I've kept very close tabs on him. Iโ€™d heard huge things going back 18 months. Heโ€™s a player the Saints believe could be the best forward-ruck in the competition, but then had to take up the responsibility as the number one ruck," said Dal Santo.

"I think they were pleasantly surprised by the standard he maintained across the year. Now they brought in Paddy Ryder to support him, but he is going to be a star if he isn't already."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Rowan Marshall of the Saints celebrates the win during the round 5 AFL match between Melbourne and St Kilda at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
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