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.
6. Dane Swan
Perhaps the most colourful player on this list, Swan is a walk-up Hall of Fame inductee. The Collingwood superstar was one of a kind. Well known for his distaste for the more studious aspects of the game, Swan was a pure footballer in every sense.
A strong-bodied midfielder with deceptive breakaway speed, he was built for the big occasion. He often did his best work when the game was there to be won, or on the big stage.
Swan's list of achievements is eye-watering. A 2010 premiership player who also won the AFL MVP that same year, he was an All-Australian selection on five occasions, while also winning three best and fairests.
