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.
5. Nick Dal Santo
One of the smoothest movers of the modern era, Dal Santo put together a sensational career that spanned 322 games.
The triple All-Australian was critical to the Saints' grand final years. His ability to negotiate traffic was a sight to behold. However, the Saints weren't the only club to benefit from his silky skills.
Finishing his career at the Kangaroos, Dal Santo's pinpoint left foot has been sorely missed by both clubs in recent years. In 2011, he finished third in the Brownlow Medal with 28 votes, a clear sign of just how dominant he was in those seasons.
In recent years he has become a respected commentator in the AFL media, while also coaching the St Kilda AFLW side in 2022.
