The AFL has picked its best 22 from season 2019, announcing the All Australian team on Wednesday night.
Captain of this talented bunch is Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe, while West Coast captain Shannon Hurn has been named as vice-captain.
West Coast and Geelong led the way with four players each selected in the final 22.
For the Eagles, defensive duo Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn were named, along with Jack Darling in a forward pocket and hardened midfielder Elliot Yeo on the interchange bench.
Cat Tom Stewart has been named for the second consecutive year in the backline, while star Patrick Dangerfield was listed on the half-forward flank and Tim Kelly on a wing. Tom Hawkins was a surprise inclusion at full-forward.
Jeremy Cameron was named at centre half-forward after a 67-goal season, and also awarded the Coleman Medal on the night.
Brodie Grundy has been named as starting ruckman, after his selection on the interchange last year, but noticeable is joined by Max Gawn in the team again this year.
Brisbane has three players in the final 22, with Lachie Neale named in the followers, Charlie Cameron a forward pocket and Harris Andrews at full-back.
Scott Pendlebury features for the first time since 2014 and his sixth overall.
There are nine debutants in this season’s All Australian team, with representatives from ten teams.
All eight finals teams had at least one player included with the exception of Essendon, who had no players nominated in the 40-man squad.
Fremantle, Melbourne and Carlton were the only teams outside finals to have players represented in the team, making up four of the 22 selections.
B: Tom Stewart, Harris Andrews, Dylan Grimes
HB: Bachar Houli, Jeremy McGovern, Shannon Hurn (vc)
C: Marcus Bontempelli, Patrick Cripps, Tim Kelly
HF: Patrick Dangerfield, Jeremy Cameron, Michael Walters
F: Jack Darling, Tom Hawkins, Charlie Cameron
Fol: Brodie Grundy, Lachie Neale, Nat Fyfe (c)
Int: Scott Pendlebury, Elliot Yeo, Max Gawn, Jack Macrae
Iambillbob
Roar Rookie
Haha
David C
Roar Rookie
Sheppard for Hurns actually. Hurn really dropped his form there for a while. I question the Pendles selection. Move Danger to the mids and select a proper mid forward.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
The players agree
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
So would I.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
But SA, Tas & WA really looked forward to the SOO fames. It was VFL Club arrogance that killed it.
Iambillbob
Roar Rookie
At the end of the day the tigers will win the cup
Peter Warrington
Guest
shoosh!
Simoc
Guest
Rivalries provide the most entertainment in team sports. Neighbouring suburbs, neighbouring countries. It often starts in elite high schools where you must beat the rival school at the main game. In the west Eagles vs Dockers are must wins as Carlton vs Collingwood are (or were) in Melbourne. Outside winning a flag those games matter most in AFL while similar rivalries probably happen in the NRLlike Cowboys/Broncos and Netball Firebirds / Lightning.
Peter Warrington
Guest
yep, he is a ripper
Peter Warrington
Guest
oh, silly me. what was I thinking. sorry about the Freo jibe. there was one day when #iwasdonfreo. can't remember which one it was.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
The really awful thing is that McGovern gets his fourth AA selection in the fewest games ever ahead of Matthew Lloyd, Peter Matera, Buckley, Cousins, Carey, Hird and Pavlich.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
I agree. However,Fyfe is not the best captain in the AA team.
another paul
Roar Rookie
He didn't really play a lot this season. Kinda have to play a season to have a good season to be selected
Slane
Guest
He is barely a defender. If I was the opposition coach I would tell my team to kick the ball to whoever Houli and Broad are playing on.
another paul
Roar Rookie
About the same, as was Dunkley. I don't think any of those 3 deserved a spot in the AA team. I would have liked to see Macrae on the wing. Kelly out and Gaz on the bench. Macrae produced all year
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
This is a conversation about who is a justified selection in the AA squad. You're not aware of that? Dusty is not a justified selection.
Gary
Roar Rookie
Agreed, Fyfe is a great player. Hurn is a better captain. The best, and Fairest, wins the Brownlow... doesn't mean they are good captains. Judd and Ablett are other examples of great players but ordinary captains.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Very impressive stats above though. You make a strong case for Rich.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
I thought Houli's biggest weakness was his defence. Where do you get your "only beaten once in one-on-ones" stat from? That's rubbish. I'd rather have someone who can defend and counter-attack in the AA side.
Slane
Guest
Those stats tell me that Houli is a worse defender than Sheppard and a worse rebounder than Rich. It's a shame that those stats don't include: Handballing to a flat-footed teammate who is about to be crunched or launching the footy 50m out of defense straight to the opposition. That's where Houli really shines.