It’s certainly been one of biggest news weeks for the year, if not ever. But amidst all the mayhem and drama, the AFL named a relatively fresh faced 2010 All Australian squad. For the most part, I believe the selection panel got it right this year, and incredibly, almost half of the squad has never previously been selected.
The other big change this year is that the squad is not named in positions. Instead, the panel selected the players they considered the 40 best performers of 2010.
As always, many players will be considered unlucky and others perhaps fortunate to squeeze in.
Either way, I don’t envy the tough task of trying to fit so many quality players into the one team, but it has to be done. So let’s a take a look at how it might shape up.
My 2010 All-Australian team.
James Kelly Brian Lake Nick Malceski
Luke Hodge Harry O’Brien Brendon Goddard
Scott Pendlebury Lenny Hayes Leigh Montagna
Matthew Pavlich Lance Franklin Paul Chapman
Alan Didak Jack Riewoldt Brad Green
Aaron Sandilands Dane Swan Gary Ablett
Joel Selwood Chris Judd Mark Jamar Brent Harvey
Breaking it down into positions …
James Kelly was an absolute no brainer. The only hesitation was whether he should, in fact, have been selected in the midfield.
In the other back pocket, Nick Malceski is an absolute ball magnet and his run and carry has made him the best rebound defender of the season.
Brady Rawlings and Brett Deledio miss out, but have both had terrific years in defence.
At full back, Brian Lake has been the stand-out this year. His ability to nullify his opponent, read the play, and rack up the possessions make him a rare commodity.
Young Demon James Frawley has had a break-out season and is unlucky to miss, while Dustin Fletcher had another consistent year, but suspension crippled his chance of final selection.
Across the half back line, Luke Hodge and Brendan Goddard need no explanation. Both are a chance to win the Brownlow Medal.
Harry O’Brien just pipped Harry Taylor at centre half back. Although O’Brien is perhaps more of a back flank runner, he plays a similar role to Taylor and in my mind has had a better year.
The midfield is almost as much about who misses out than who gets in.
I’ve gone with Dane Swan, Gary Ablett and Lenny Hayes as the on ball trio, while Leigh Montagna and Scott Pendlebury are on the wings.
Missing out, Jobe Watson, David Mundy, Andrew Swallow, all had great seasons, but aren’t quite up to it.
I feel sick leaving Adam Cooney, Matthew Boyd and Adam Goodes out of the team, but I think in the end, they haven’t been as consistent as the others.
In the ruck, Aaron Sandilands has again been the most dominant ruckman in 2010. Darren Jolly and Mark Jamar were very unlucky.
Up forward, I couldn’t find a spot for Steve Johnson and Mark Le Cras, but certainly wish I could.
The full-forward spot has to go to the Coleman medallist, so unfortunately Barry Hall misses out, as well.
Having the star quality of Chris Judd, Joel Selwood and Brent Harvey on the bench shows just how hard picking an All Australian team really is.
And I think Shane Mumford’s incredible year for Sydney should be rewarded with the final spot on the bench. Not only has his ruck work been impressive, but also his mobility around the ground and ability to kick goals has transformed him into one of the best in the competition.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
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