With the regular season over, it’s time to sit back and ponder who deserves representative honours.
Backs: Jake Lloyd was outstanding for the Swans; he deserves some recognition. Alex Rance should be a walk up start in the All Australian team as he has been extremely consistent for the Tigers.
Tom Stewart has the ability to play on different size forwards. Rory Laird could possibly been the Crows best player in season 2018. Jeremy Mcgovern is possibly the most important player for the Eagles from a structural perspective.
Lachie Whitfield played a big part in the Giants making the top eight and was prolific.
Midfielders: Clayton Oliver has been a revelation for the Demons this year. Patrick Cripps has been a shining light for the Blues. Andrew Gaff was second favourite for the Brownlow until he got suspended.
Andrew Gaff of the Eagles (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Forwards: Devon Smith broke the record for tackling in one season since the stat has been recorded; his pressure was elite and he was probably the Bombers most consistent player this year.
Lance Franklin could have won the Coleman Medal if he played every game this season. Franklin missed some games through injury and at times played a team first role roaming further from goals than he usually does.
Luke Breust is possibly the best small forward in the competition. Jack Riewoldt not only won the Coleman Medal, but showed great leadership. Dustin Martin makes every possession count and managed to kick goals at important times in games.
Dustin Martin of the Tigers. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Followers: Max Gawn has been a standout for the Demons. Along with his playing ability, he is also a part of the Demons leadership group and I think he will be named All Australian Captain. Steele Sidebottom is possibly the Magpies second best player as he is a quality consistent performer.
Tom Mitchell not only accumulates a lot of the ball, but uses the ball well.
Interchange: Brodie Grundy is not only an elite ruckman, but also adept at his work around the ground, as he managed to accumulate plenty of possessions. Jack Macrae could have been high up in the Brownlow if not for being injured earlier this season.
Dayne Beams was extremely consistent for the Lions, helping them improve as a team. Jack Gunston was outstanding for the Hawks and was one of the reasons why they managed to work their way up into the top four.
FB: Jake Lloyd (Swans), Alex Rance (Tigers), Tom Stewart (Cats)
HB: Rory Laird (Crows), Jeremy Mcgovern (Eagles), Lachie Whitfield (Giants)
M: Clayton Oliver (Demons), Patrick Cripps (Blues), Andrew Gaff (Eagles)
HF: Devon Smith (Bombers), Lance Franklin (Swans), Patrick Dangerfield (Cats)
FF: Luke Breust (Hawks), Jack Riewoldt (VC) (Tigers), Dustin Martin (Tigers)
Foll: Max Gawn (C) (Demons), Steele Sidebottom (Magpies), Tom Mitchell (Hawks)
Int: Brodie Grundy (Magpies), Jack Macrae (Bulldogs), Dayne Beams (Lions), Jack Gunston (Hawks)
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Chief certainly gave David King the details he wanted!
Will it get the Hawks ready for a crucial clash with North Melbourne?
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