Since 1996, well over 250 players and personalities have been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Each year, a further six names join this illustrious cast, but only after their credentials are crossed examined by a committee of astute judges.
The criteria for selection is said to include a player’s record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship and character.
Additionally, eligibility for enshrinement only begins after a player has hung their boots up for at least five years.
In the words of the AFL themselves, “their [the players] identities are always a hotly debated topic and a fiercely protected secret.”
With the intention of removing this veil of secrecy, we here at Zero Hanger have cast our minds back to find the players most suitable for selection from 2015’s retiring class.
As just over a handful of names are chosen each year, it is highly unlikely that all six of the names listed will be inducted this year, but as they each meet the benchmarks for selection, it seems inevitable that all will each be included in due time.
1. Luke McPharlin
2000-2015 – 256 games (Hawthorn and Fremantle)
After 12 games across two seasons with the Hawks, Luke McPharlin, along with Trent Croad, was dealt to the Dockers in a move that saw Hawthorn land Luke Hodge.
Despite parting with the number one pick in the ‘Super Draft’ of 2001, Fremantle fans can take solace in their club’s move to land McPharlin, as after 14 seasons with his new home, the Western Australian retired a club legend.
Across his 244 games in purple – the second most in Fremantle’s short history - McPharlin routinely held together some rather patchwork back sixes.
The East Fremantle product also managed a place in the 2012 All-Australian team, Fremantle life membership in 2010 and to hold on to the 2005 Mark of the Year.
