MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 25: Tom Phillips of the Magpies runs with the ball during the round 10 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on May 25, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Former AFL star Nick Dal Santo has named his top five wingmen in the game today.
The ex-Saint and Kangaroo emphasized players who play exclusively on the wing as opposed to those who rotate through.
Topping Dal Santo's list is Saints recruit Brad Hill, highlighting his running power both ways.
“I am mesmerised with what he can physically do with his running capacity, it is a delight to watch," he told SEN Breakfast.
“He puts the ball underneath his arm and says, ‘Come and catch me’.
“He runs just as hard defensively as he does when he thinks he is going to get the footy and that’s what I love about him.”
Dal Santo listed West Coast's Andrew Gaff at number two, stating his damaging ball use often goes unnoticed.
“A lot of people knock Andrew Gaff with the way that he plays. I will defend him until the cows come home," Dal Santo said.
“He’s a winger. He’s not an inside midfielder, he doesn’t play the same way as Luke Shuey or Elliot Yeo, because the Eagles have already got those players. He plays his role to perfection.
“He’s death by a thousand cuts with his ball use. I find him damaging when you look back as a collective over the entirety of a game.”
Western Bulldogs' Lachie Hunter comes in third who Dal Santo praised for his ability to get to good positions on the field and accurate disposal.
“Very underrated and as smart as they come. Sees the play unfolding before it has unfolded.
“Gets to the right positions and is nice and neat with his disposal. Gets the job done and gets a lot of the football.”
Dal Santo's top five wingmen in the game today
1. Brad Hill (St Kilda)
2. Andrew Gaff (West Coast)
3. Lachie Hunter (Western Bulldogs)
4. Tom Phillips (Collingwood)
5. Isaac Smith (Hawthorn)