It is perhaps the ultimate honour for many footballers. Being eligible and inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame means joining an elite group of the game's finest.
For some, being eligible and considered is as far as it will go. For the truly special, being inducted is recognition of a career of achievement and service to our great game.
Each year, up to six people can be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Considering the sheer weight of incredible players across the generations, it's an exclusive club.
While the main criteria for being eligible is being retired for more than five years, there is much more to actually be inducted. From the number of games played, coached or umpired, the criteria also includes ability, sportsmanship, achievements and character.
This ensures only the finest make the cut. With so many worthy as players alone, the criteria sees those who have left the game better than when they entered it be given priority.
As such, we here at Zero Hanger have put together a list of seven former stars who might make the cut now that they're deemed eligible, having called time on their careers in 2016.
3. Matthew Pavlich
One of the only players to be named All-Australian across all thirdds of the ground, Pavlich's glittering career is the stuff of envy. Playing every one of his 353 games for Fremantle, he arguably didn't get the plaudits he deserved.
Every bit as good as the Riewoldts and Browns of the same era, Pavlich was an inspirational captain who led Fremantle to their first-ever grand final. A six-time All-Australian and best and fairest winner, the powerhouse forward resisted offers to return to South Australia throughout his career.
His impeccable character matched his incredible ability, becoming a statesman of the game in his latter years. He will be inducted into the Hall of Fame without a doubt, it just remains to be seen when.
