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.
7. Jimmy Bartel
The Cats knew they had something special in the offing when they drafted Bartel in 2001. A courageous midfielder with skills to boot, he set about putting together a glittering career.
A dual All-Australian and triple Premiership player, his accomplishments don't end there. After winning the Brownlow Medal in 2007, he won the Norm Smith Medal in 2009, cementing himself as a future legend of the game.
Across his 305 game career, he produced some of the finest displays of bravery in the modern era. Coupled with that was his underrated ability overhead and in marking contests.
Bartel was a joy to watch and will no doubt be inducted into the Hall of Fame sooner rather than later.
