Nick Dal Santo has put together his top 10 players of the last decade.
The former St Kilda and North Melbourne midfielder has dissected the last 10 years of footy and decided on who he believes has stood out above the rest.
The only criteria is the quality of footy played from the beginning of the 2010 season until the end of 2019.
1. Scott Pendlebury
“Kicked off the decade with a flag, the Norm Smith and an All-Australian. Closed it by finishing second in the Copeland Trophy in a season where he reached his 300-game milestone," Dal Santo told SEN.com.au
“Five best and fairest awards and six All-Australians is outstanding.
“Simply put, Pendles has been THE MOST consistent player of the last decade.”
2. Patrick Dangerfield
“Danger is up there with the game’s most dynamic midfielders."
“Spent the decade with both Adelaide and Geelong, winning four best and fairest awards and one Brownlow Medal.
“Seven All-Australian selections solidifies his standing.”
3. Dustin Martin
“Dusty is the most significant player of the past three years, but his brilliance also stems back to his debut season in 2010."
“He’s missed just seven games since debuting.
“Two premierships, two Norms, a Brownlow, three All-Australians, two best and fairest, two best finals player. The ultimate big-game performer.”
4. Alex Rance
“Has been the pre-eminent defender of the last 10 years. Five consecutive All-Australian blazers highlights that."
“Rance is a great leader who is rarely beaten. A premiership player, best and fairest winner and two-time runner-up as a key defender, which is a remarkable return. A true competitive beast.”
5. Nat Fyfe
“His list of individual accolades is phenomenal. A pair of Brownlows, two league MVPs, three-time best and fairest and three times an All-Australian."
“Plays the game with an almost laconic nonchalance while being the inspiration for those around him.”
6. Luke Hodge
“The general of Hawthorn’s terrific three-peat side."
“Hodge’s leadership during the past decade coincided with one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
“There’s no denying his influence on a playing group which extended into his two impressive seasons with Brisbane.”
7. Sam Mitchell
“One of the most prolific midfielders in the game since 2010, averaging over 620 possessions per season."
“Landed himself a Brownlow, five best and fairests and three All-Australians to go along with his trio of flags. Similar to Hodge, was integral to that Hawthorn success.
“Tremendous ball use, clever hands and always good in big games.”
8. Gary Ablett
“While the majority of his absolute best footy came before 2010, Ablett’s achievements cannot be underestimated."
“Left Geelong for the Suns in 2011 and managed to add a second Brownlow during his stint on the Gold Coast.
“Has five All-Australians this decade, four Suns best and fairest awards and a pair of league MVPs.
“An all-time star of the game.”
9. Lance Franklin
“Shared his time with both Hawthorn and Sydney over the last decade."
“Has seven All-Australians to his name plus three Colemans, eight of 10 seasons as club leading goalkicker and of course, a flag.
“Buddy has kicked the most goals in the last 10 years of footy with 639. Second best trails him by 65.”
10. Joel Selwood
“The most courageous and tenacious player we’ve seen this decade."
“Five-time All-Australian (three as captain), three best and fairest awards as well as a coveted premiership, which took his tally to three overall.
“Selwood leads Geelong from the front with his attack win the ball and his ability to step up when needed.”