In 1996, the AFL announced 136 inductees into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. The subsequent addition of 27 inductees has increased the Australian Football Hall of Fame to 163. Among this number are 16 Australian Football Hall of Fame Legends. The committee considers candidates on the basis of record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship and character. The number of games played, coached or umpired or years of service is a consideration only and does not determine eligibilty.
Players are eligible only after they have been retired from the game for at least three years.
Coaches, umpires, administrators and media representatives are eligible only after retirement. The committee considers candidates from all parts of Australia and from all Australian Football competitions within Australia. In 1999, the AFL Commission decided that the Hall of Fame committee could select and enshrine up to eight Hall of Fame members per year until 2001. Of those players, no fewer than two per year should have become eligible since the inaugural induction. Had great courage and excelled in big games.