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.
Mister Football
Guest
That's a bit rough on J Riewoldt, who won the Coleman medal this year. Clearly, there is always a big difference between picking a team to match up agaisnt an oppoonent in a real contest, and picking a theoretical best 11, 13, 15 or 18. With the latter exercise, you always juggle the need to choose the best in a particular position, with the urge to include the very best players, full stop. The same thing happens any time you pick your very best XI soccer team, you start putting all time greats in slightly less familiar positions because you don't want them to miss out, or you choose a 424 rather than a 442 because there are four strikers you simply can't leave out. In the modern age of Australian Football, it's becoming even more complicated because the once identifiable 18 positions have been reduced to a handful of positions: ruckman, key position defender/attacker and 15 midfielders.
Chaos
Guest
Just the best players for season... Like how the NBA has first, second and third teams. All defensive team, all rookie team. Only in this case the AFL names 22 'best' players of year. Generally you have to not get injured to get all Australian.
Brian
Guest
Becuase they never play anyone the team is always full of average/good players who have had good seasons rather than champions who have been injured. If it was a rolling national side Brown and Riewoldt would surely be involved rather than the likes of Jamar or J Riewoldt. The other problem is positional because an AFL coach would not play his best players on a half back flank. I doubt anyone at Geelong would rate Kelly ahead of Bartell
League Fan
Guest
so they announce a team from Australia that no-one plays? Like fantasy football?
Redb
Roar Guru
It's an honourary team not too different from the Dally M in the NRl.
Brian
Guest
Who are they going to play?
Redb
Roar Guru
Kelly over Fletcher in the backline - your joking. :-)
HK47
Roar Rookie
LeCras should be ahead of the Pav, Chapman, Green and Judd. Why is judd always selected? His name now seems to say All-Australian. And of the CHF Franklin has really been the only one to dazzle us. The Pav if selected, would have had his worst AA year, while brown and N. Riewoldt missed too much footy this year.
Chaos
Guest
Mark Le Cras. Should be in. For two years now has kicked goals in a rubbish side with terrible supply. Kicked 12 goals in a game!