Mid-season All-Australian AFL team

I know that it’s not the halfway point of the season quite yet, however I feel the need to express my thoughts regarding a halfway point All-Australian team before many teams are published around the country.

It’s been a season of outstanding breakout years for players such as Josh Kennedy of West Coast and Nathan Fyfe from Fremantle. It has also been a year of extraordinary performances from veterans who just keep giving to their clubs, like Matthew Scarlett and Dustin Fletcher.

Fletcher finds himself providing valuable contributions despite being a man in his 19th season of AFL football. Dean Cox has also had an unbelievable start to his season.

Which brings me to a debate that has risen over the past few rounds, a debate asking: who is the best?

In terms of the elite players of the AFL featured in this team Cox, Pendlebury, Judd, Murphy, Buddy, Swan, Selwood and Bartel are the players who I consider to be in this elite class that is spoken about.

Matthew Boyd, Andrew Swallow and Steve Johnson could also arguably be placed in this category and there are players such as Ablett, Goodes, Hodge, Watson and Boomer Harvey who did not make the cut in this team.

However, there is one player who last year cemented his place as an elite midfielder and indeed this year – Dale Thomas. Is he actually the best? This question is a huge one, and I will not be addressing it now (but please leave your thoughts in the comments section below).

Now to the team. My All-Australian team so far:

Backs:

Dustin Fletcher. In his 19th season he is denying forwards of goals better than ever (ranked first at Essendon for kicking efficiency).

Matthew Scarlett. One of the greatest full backs of all-time continues to roll on (only 10 goals have been kicked on him and is ranked third in disposal efficiency from players who have had 100 disposals or more).

Heath Shaw. It’s a common sight in the AFL to see Shaw running from the pocket to the wing, bouncing it every five steps and delivering a lace out pass onto the chest of teammate (ranked first in the league for total bounces and first for effective kicks, 126).

Half backs:

James Kelly. This man is an underrated tackling machine ball magnet (ranked first at Geelong in disposals, which may surprise some and is ranked fifth in the league in tackles).

Josh Gibson. This honest, solid defender who makes up for what he lacks in height in strength and marking ability has provided a strong body to a small Hawthorn defence, and has proved to be a great buy for the Hawks this season (has won the ball off the opposition 63 times).

Jimmy Bartel. Last week was an indication of what he can do when he is let roam across half back and is one of the best men over head for his size; this man also stands up in vital games (ranked equal first for contested marks among top 30 ball winners in the league).

Midfielders:

Dale Thomas. Had many claiming that he was the best in the league, including Ross Lyon (ranked third in the league for effective kicks and ranked first in marks among the top 20 ball winners).

Matthew Boyd. Has constantly been the shining light in a dreadful display from his side this year, this man is prolific (ranked first in disposals and second in contested possessions).

Scott Pendlebury. Has continued his great form from last year and if he’s not careful he will gain the tag of a big game player, winning the Anzac Day medal this year adding to his one last year and his Norm Smith medal from last year (ranked fourth in total disposals).

Half forwards:

Marc Murphy. I’ve managed to squeeze this prolific ball winner into the half forward line because of his knack for kicking a goal or two a game more often than not (ranked second in disposals and third in inside 50s).

Josh Kennedy. There’s a reason why Carlton fans are currently thinking, what if… (third in marks, third in goals and second in contested marks).

Nathan Fyfe. The avatar look-a-like of the AFL has been one of the surprise packets of the season so far (ranked 10th in disposals and ranked first in contested marks out of the top 20 ball winners).

Forwards:

Jack Riewoldt. Two years ago who would have thought Jack and not Nick? Has had to overcome some attitude issues this season, however they have not stopped him from doing what he does best (leads the Coleman race with 36 goals, ranked sixth in goal assists).

Lance Franklin. This man is a freak and can turn a game on it’s head on his day, if only he could kick straight (ranked second in goals).

Jeff Garlett. A little jet and has been no doubt the stand out small forward fro the year so far (ranked sixth in goals).

Followers:

Dean Cox. Has redefined the ruckman role and this year he is a favourite for the Brownlow (ranked third in hit outs and ranked first in disposals among all ruckman or part-time ruckman).

Chris Judd. In my mind, this man is the best. Some players get a lot of it and don’t do much with it, some players don’t get much of the footy but do a lot with it. Juddy gets a hell of a lot of the it and does a hell of a lot with it. Everything he does is awe-inspiring. A third Brownlow? (Ranked first in clearances and ranked first in tackles amongst top 30 ball winners.)

Andrew Swallow. A very underrated in and under player in some great form, best known for his tackling prowess (ranked third in free kicks and third in contested possessions).

Interchange:

Bryce Gibbs. A very defined outside player at Carlton has set up numerous scoring shots from the half back line this season (leads the league in marks and ranked seventh in total kicks).

Dane Swan. Arguably his form has slipped from last year however his stats still speak for themselves (third in disposals and ranked first in goals among top 30 ball winners, 16).

Joel Selwood. This young star didn’t have the best start to the season he has run in to some incredible form in recent times (first in inside 50s per game and we all know about his free kick winning courage and is fourth in free kicks for).

Steve Johnson. He is a mercurial genius, however has recently shown some career best consistency (ranked second in disposals among top 25 goal kickers).