Nick Dal Santo believes five young players stood out from the rest and had breakout seasons in 2019.

Speaking on SEN, Dal Santo mentioned he should have included Blues midfielder Sam Walsh in the following list.

However, the following five players have all had outstanding years that have set them apart from the rest according to Dal Santo.

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5. Luke Ryan (Fremantle)

Ryan became a permanent and effective feature of Fremantle's defence this season.

Drafted with pick 66 in 2016, Ryan has developed into an elite intercept defender, ranking second in the league for intercepts per game at the age of 23.

"I think his football spoke for himself and I love the responsibility the coaching staff gave him to be able to roll off and pick and choose when to be a lockdown defender and when he runs and carries," said Dal Santo on SEN Afternoon's, "but I was impressed by the way he accepted that role and executed it."

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Luke Ryan of the Dockers looks to pass the ball during the round eight AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the St Kilda Saints at Optus Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
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