The Australian Football Hall of Fame, established in 1996 during the centenary year of the AFL, serves to honour the outstanding contributions made to Australian rules football by players, umpires, coaches, administrators, and media personalities.
Starting with 136 inductees, the Hall has grown to include more than 300 members, including 32 "Legends" who represent the pinnacle of excellence in the sport.
Despite the extensive and esteemed list of inductees, several noteworthy players have yet to be recognised with the honour. Here we highlight six exceptional footballers who, despite their remarkable achievements and impact on the game, remain conspicuously absent from the Hall of Fame.
These players appeared to demonstrate the worthy skill, leadership, and dedication throughout their careers and for some, their exclusion is a point of contention, anticipation or misfortune within the football community.
In this piece we will explore the careers of these six deserving individuals who still await their place in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
2. Nick Riewoldt
Riewoldt stands as arguably the greatest player in St Kilda's history.
Drafted as the No. 1 pick in the 2000 AFL Draft, he debuted for the club in 2001, quickly establishing himself as a formidable force in the front half. In 2002, he clinched the AFL Rising Star Award, a harbinger of his burgeoning talent.
His breakout year came in 2004, where he set an AFL record with 256 marks, won the Leigh Matthews Trophy as the AFLPA MVP, and earned his first All-Australian selection. This was just the beginning of a career defined by consistency, courage, elite work-rate and skilful brilliance.
Serving as St Kilda's captain from 2005 to 2016, Riewoldt was an imposing figure leading by example through his veteran years. His tenure as captain saw the Saints reach the pinnacle of the game, competing in three grand finals. Ultimate premiership glory eluded him, but his leadership during these campaigns, particularly the drawn 2010 epic, remains undeniable.
Individually, Riewoldt's resume is almost unparalleled. A five-time All-Australian, including captaincy in 2009, he holds the all-time VFL/AFL record for most marks, surpassing Gary Dempsey in 2017. He is a six-time best and fairest winner, and led the club's goal-kicking on four occasions. His 2014 season, which earned him vice-captaincy of the All-Australian team, testifies his sustained excellence through the latter stages of his career.
His leadership and commitment for St Kilda in particular extended beyond the field. His decision to reject overtures from the fledgling Gold Coast Football Club in 2009, choosing loyalty to St Kilda over lucrative offers, has cemented his legacy as a one-club man and a true icon of the Saints.
