Former St Kilda and North Melbourne midfielder Nick Dal Santo's distinguished 15-year career came to an end last season after playing 322 games, competing in three grand finals and playing in countless finals.

Given his honour role, plus the fact he only retired at the end of last season, Dal Santo should know plenty about the players set to take the competition by storm in 2017.

Speaking on SEN Radio on Monday morning, the 33-year-old, named his top 10 players ahead of the 2017 season.

Surpsingly, reigning Brownlow Medalist, Patrick Dangerfield, did not top the list, with a returning star instead taking the number one spot.

4. Gary Ablett

"He can even go forward this year and he’ll still be in the top five players for me," Dal Santo said of Ablett.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Gary Ablett of the Suns celebrates a goal during the round seven AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Gold Coast Suns at Etihad Stadium on May 4, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

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