Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd has revealed his top five finals performers.

Speaking on AFL.com.auLloyd explained that the players who stood up on the big September stage should be regarded as the all-time greats.

Lloyd counted down from 5-1…

4. Gary Ayres

Lloyd said: "Norm Smith Medal in both 1986 and 1988, so dependable. Just did the things that you want a teammate to do. To win premierships you've got to have role players who you just know are going to do their thing. Gary Ayres was better than a role player, but was tough, read the ball so well in the air and was just so safe with his kick - rarely wasted a possession."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - 1986: Gary Ayres of the Hawks in action during the 1986 AFL season played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, 1986 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Getty Images).