All-Australian Side 2016

GEELONG skipper Joel Selwood has been named captain of the 2016 Virgin Australia AFL All Australian team in a line-up that includes nine debutants.  

Fremantle ball-magnet Lachie Neale – the AFL's leading possession winner in 2016 – was one of several unlucky omissions, with North Melbourne key defender Robbie Tarrant also missing out.

Selwood and superstar teammate Patrick Dangerfield were named alongside each other on-ball after a brilliant season as a midfield double-act.

It was Selwood's fifth selection in an All Australian team and the third time he has been named captain after earning the honour in 2013 and 2014. Only Wayne Carey (four times) has been named skipper more times.

Minor premiers the Sydney Swans dominate the 22, with five players selected, including first-time defender Dane Rampe and midfielder Luke Parker, who was selected on the bench.

Onballers Josh Kennedy and Dan Hannebery are named on the centreline, while superstar Lance Franklin is named at centre half-forward.

Franklin's selection capped off a 12-month period that started on the eve of last year's finals series when he withdrew from playing to seek treatment for depression.

Geelong and Adelaide each had three players named, with veteran Cat defender Corey Enright named at half-back. It is his sixth All Australian selection.

Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane was selected in the team of the year for the first time on a wing and also named vice-captain. Defender Daniel Talia and star forward Eddie Betts earned their second selections.

In total 10 teams were represented, with Richmond, West Coast, Greater Western Sydney and the Western Bulldogs all with two players in the team announced at Melbourne's Exhibition Centre.

Dominant Melbourne big man Max Gawn was the only ruck named in the 40-man squad, guaranteeing him selection in the final 22 for the first time after a superb season.

Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy is named at full forward for the second straight season after kicking 80 goals, while Gold Coast forward Tom Lynch (66 goals) was named in a pocket.

Hawthorn's Norm Smith medallist Cyril Rioli was named in his third All Australian team at half-forward, with Greater Western Sydney debutant Toby Greene on the opposite flank.

West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern was also selected for the first time in a backline that includes Richmond star Alex Rance for the third consecutive season.

Rance, widely acclaimed as the game's standout key defender this year, has been named at full-back, with McGovern in a pocket as the third tall defender.

Greater Western Sydney defender Heath Shaw is named at half-back in his second team-of-the-year nomination, having led the AFL for rebound 50s (172) and average metres gained (562m a game).   

Third-time All Australian Matthew Boyd was named on the interchange alongside Western Bulldogs teammate Marcus Bontempelli, Richmond star Dustin Martin and Parker, who were all selected for the first time.

verlooked in the backline were Carlton pair Kade Simpson and Sam Docherty, Adelaide's Rory Laird, and Port Adelaide's Jasper Pittard.

St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven missed out on what would have been his first All Australian selection, as did West Coast's Luke Shuey and Collingwood midfielder Adam Treloar.

In all there were only seven players from the 2015 All Australian team named again this year.

Finalist North Melbourne was among eight teams without a presence in this year's team, alongside the Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon, Fremantle, Port Adelaide and St Kilda. 

Adelaide key defender Daniel Talia has been selected in his second All Australian team, named at centre half-back.

Zac Merrett Fails to make 40 Man All-Australian Squad

Virgin Australia AFL All Australian 40-man squad

      Eddie Betts. All Australian 2015. 22 games in 2016. 214 kicks, 71 marks, 86 handballs, averaging 9.7 kicks, 3.2 marks, 3.9 handballs. 66 goals (fourth in the AFL in goals) 30 behinds. 30 clearances, 47 inside 50m, Eight rebound 50m. 79 tackles.

Josh Jenkins. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 188 kicks, 117 marks, 90 handballs, averaging 8.5 kicks, 5.3 marks, 4.1 handballs. 124 hit outs averaging 5.6 per game. 60 goals (fifth in the AFL in goals) 26 behinds. 18 clearances, 59 inside 50m, Six rebound 50m. 41 tackles.

Rory Laird. Never previously All Australian. 17 games in 2016. 222 kicks, 114 marks, 245 handballs, averaging 13.1 kicks, 6.7 marks, 14.4 handballs. One goal one behind. 18 clearances, 35 inside 50m, 55 rebound 50m. 37 tackles.

Tom Lynch. Never previously All Australian. 21 games in 2016. 256 kicks, 140 marks, 155 handballs, averaging 12.2 kicks, 6.7 marks, 7.4 handballs. 36 goals 21 behinds. 20 clearances, 75 inside 50m, Nine rebound 50m. 42 tackles.

Rory Sloane. Never previously All Australian. 21 games in 2016. 250 kicks, 79 marks, 286 handballs, averaging 11.9 kicks, 3.8 marks, 13.6 handballs.   12 goals Eight behinds. 103 clearances, 82 inside 50m, 22 rebound 50m. 151 tackles (third in the AFL in tackles).

Daniel Talia. All Australian 2014. 22 games in 2016. 197 kicks, 133 marks, 156 handballs, averaging 9.0 kicks, 6.0 marks, 7.1 handballs. One Goal zero behinds. Two clearances, 16 inside 50m, 64 rebound 50m. 40 tackles. 

Sam DSam Docherty. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 359 kicks (fourth in the AFL in kicks), 173 marks (second in the AFL in marks), 207 handballs, averaging 16.3 kicks, 7.9 marks, 9.4 handballs. One Goal two behinds. 14 clearances, 45 inside 50m, 119 rebound 50m (third in the AFL in R50). 57 tackles. 

Kade Simpson. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 383 kicks (third in the AFL in kicks), 152 marks (sixth in the AFL in marks), 214 handballs, averaging 17.4 kicks, 6.9 marks, 9.7 handballs.  Three goals zero behinds. 14 clearances, 52 inside 50m, 101 rebound 50m (fifth in the AFL in R50). 54 tackles. 

ScScott Pendlebury. All Australian 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. 22 games in 2016. 289 kicks, 78 marks, 341 handballs (ninth in the AFL in handballs, ninth in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 13.1 kicks, 3.5 marks, 15.5 handballs. 11 goals seven behinds 103 clearances, 87 inside 50m, 46 rebound 50m. 123 tackles.

Adam Treloar. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 283 kicks, 71 marks, 390 handballs (second in the AFL in handballs, fifth in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 12.9 kicks, 3.2 marks, 17.8 handballs. 13 goals 18 behinds. 118 clearances, 88 inside 50m, 41 rebound 50m. 139 tackles (eighth in the AFL in tackles). 

LaLachie Neale. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 289 kicks, 90 marks, 448 handballs (first in the AFL in handballs, first in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 13.1 kicks, 4.1 marks, 20.4 handballs. Seven goals four behinds. 161 clearances (third in the AFL in clearances), 63 inside 50m, 44 rebound 50m. 101 tackles. 

Patricpatrick Dangerfield. All Australian 2012, 2013, 2015. 22 games in 2016. 351 kicks (seventh in the AFL in kicks), 112 marks, 337 handballs (eighth in the AFL in handballs, second in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 16.0 kicks, 5.1 marks, 15.3 handballs. 23 goals 23 behinds. 145 clearances (equal fourth in the AFL in clearances), 179 inside 50m (first in the AFL in I50), 31 rebound 50m. 101 tackles.

Corey Enright. All Australian 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013. 21 games in 2016. 299 kicks, 123 marks, 201 handballs, averaging 14.2 kicks, 5.9 marks, 9.6 handballs. Four goals One behind. 26 clearances, 27 inside 50m, 73 rebound 50m. 58 tackles.

Joel Selwood. All Australian 2009, 2010, 2013 (captain), 2014 (captain). 22 games in 2016. 308 kicks, 76 marks, 305 handballs, averaging 14.0 kicks, 3.5 marks, 13.9 handballs. Seven goals 11 behinds. 143 clearances (equal sixth in the AFL in clearances), 102 inside 50m (10th in the AFL in I50), 30 rebound 50m. 122 tackles. 

Tom Lynch. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 219 kicks, 153 marks (fifth in the AFL in marks), 120 handballs, averaging 10.0 kicks, 7.0 marks, 5.5 handballs. 66 goals (third in the AFL in goals) 34 behinds. Four clearances, 56 inside 50m, Three rebound 50m. 37 tackles. 

SteStephen Coniglio. Never previously All Australian. 21 games in 2016. 272 kicks, 65 marks, 319 handballs, averaging 13.0 kicks, 3.1 marks, 15.2 handballs. 11 goals 10 behinds. 118 clearances, 78 inside 50m, 33 rebound 50m. 116 tackles.

Toby Greene. Never previously All Australian. 21 games in 2016. 259 kicks, 102 marks, 192 handballs, averaging 12.3 kicks, 4.9 marks, 9.1 handballs. 39 goals 25 behinds. 37 clearances, 115 inside 50m (third in the AFL in I50), 13 rebound 50m. 78 tackles.

Tom Scully. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 261 kicks, 107 marks, 280 handballs, averaging 11.9 kicks, 4.9 marks, 12.7 handballs. 21 goals 11 behinds. 65 clearances, 105 inside 50m (eighth in the AFL in I50), 33 rebound 50m. 93 tackles.

Heath Shaw. All Australian 2015. 22 games in 2016. 468 kicks (first in the AFL in kicks), 172 marks (third in the AFL in marks), 71 handballs, averaging 21.3 kicks, 7.8 marks, 3.2 handballs. Zero goals zero behinds. 11 clearances, 36 inside 50m, 172 rebound 50m (first in the AFL in R50). 58 tackles.

Callan Ward. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 257 kicks, 77 marks, 278 handballs, averaging 11.7 kicks, 3.5 marks, 12.6 handballs. 15 goals 12 behinds. 128 clearances (10th in the AFL in clearances), 88 inside 50m, 30 rebound 50m. 104 tackles. 

Jack Jack Gunston. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 242 kicks, 142 marks, 108 handballs, averaging 11.0 kicks, 6.5 marks, 4.9 handballs. 48 goals (eighth in the AFL in goals) 31 behinds. 10 clearances, 57 inside 50m, 17 rebound 50m. 65 tackles.

Sam Mitchell. All Australian 2011, 2013, 2015. 20 games in 2016. 314 kicks, 78 marks, 284 handballs, averaging 15.7 kicks, 3.9 marks, 14.2 handballs. Zero goals two behinds. 112 clearances, 79 inside 50m, 53 rebound 50m. 70 tackles. 

Cyril Rioli. All Australian 2012, 2015. 19 games in 2016. 181 kicks, 68 marks, 85 handballs, averaging 9.5 kicks, 3.6 marks, 4.5 handballs. 44 goals (10th in the AFL in goals) 11 behinds. 45 clearances, 54 inside 50m, Six rebound 50m. 120 tackles. 

Max GMax Gawn. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 154 kicks, 91 marks, 165 handballs, averaging 7.0 kicks, 4.1 marks, 7.5 handballs. 928 hit outs (first in the AFL in hit outs) averaging 42.2 per game. 16 goals 11 behinds. 66 clearances, 33 inside 50m, 19 rebound 50m. 80 tackles. 

RobbiRobbiee Tarrant. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 238 kicks, 142 marks, 122 handballs, averaging 10.8 kicks, 6.5 marks, 5.5 handballs. Zero goals One Behind. Eight clearances, 31 inside 50m, 91 rebound 50m. 43 tackles. 

JaspJasper Pittard. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 339 kicks, 102 marks, 159 handballs, averaging 15.4 kicks, 4.6 marks, 7.2 handballs. One goal five behinds. 16 clearances, 64 inside 50m, 117 rebound 50m (fourth in the AFL in R50). 48 tackles. 

Dustin Dustin Martin. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 427 kicks (second in the AFL in kicks), 99 marks, 257 handballs (fourth in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 19.4 kicks, 4.5 marks, 11.7 handballs. Nine goals nine behinds. 115 clearances (fifth in the AFL in I50), 112 inside 50m, 54 rebound 50m. 80 tackles.

Alex Rance. All Australian 2014, 2015. 20 games in 2016. 212 kicks, 155 marks (fourth in the AFL in marks), 161 handballs, averaging 10.6 kicks, 7.8 marks, 8.1 handballs. Zero goals zero behinds. Three clearances, 11 inside 50m, 68 rebound 50m. 43 tackles. 

Jack Jack Steven. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 310 kicks, 62 marks, 305 handballs, averaging 14.1 kicks, 2.8 marks, 13.9 handballs. 14 goals six behinds. 120 clearances, 117 inside 50m (second in the AFL in I50), 26 rebound 50m. 123 tackles. 

LanclLance Franklin. All Australian 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014. 22 games in 2016. 276 kicks, 128 marks, 112 handballs, averaging 12.5 kicks, 5.8 marks, 5.1 handballs. 74 goals (second in the AFL in goals) 49 behinds. Five clearances, 101 inside 50m, Four rebound 50m. 56 tackles.

Dan Hannebery. All Australian, 2013, 2015. 22 games in 2016. 317 kicks, 83 marks, 371 handballs (sixth in the AFL in handballs, third in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 14.4 kicks, 3.8 marks, 16.9 handballs. 12 goals 15 behinds. 114 clearances, 114 inside 50m (fourth in the AFL in I50), 33 rebound 50m. 100  tackles.

Josh Kennedy. All Australian 2012, 2014. 21 games in 2016. 267 kicks, 52 marks, 389 handballs (fourth in the AFL in handballs, seventh in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 12.7 kicks, 2.5 marks, 18.5 handballs. 16 goals five behinds. 163 clearances (second in the AFL in clearances), 107 inside 50m (seventh in the AFL in I50), 26 rebound 50m. 120 tackles.

Luke Parker. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 291 kicks, 82 marks, 326 handballs, averaging 13.2 kicks, 3.7 marks, 14.8 handballs. 21 goals 17 behinds. 138 clearances (eighth in the AFL in clearances), 84 inside 50m, 34 rebound 50m. 136 tackles.

Dane Rampe. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 247 kicks, 106 marks, 144 handballs, averaging 11.2 kicks, 4.8 marks, 6.5 handballs. One goal two behinds. One clearances, 28 inside 50m, 141 rebound 50m (second in the AFL in R50). 52 tackles. 

AndreAndrew Gaff. All Australian 2015. 21 games in 2016. 352 kicks (sixth in the AFL in kicks), 79 marks, 270 handballs (10th in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 16.8 kicks, 3.8 marks, 12.9 handballs. Seven goals six behinds. 55 clearances, 79 inside 50m, 62 rebound 50m. 26 tackles.

Josh Kennedy. All Australian 2015. 22 games in 2016. 217 kicks, 140 marks, 67 handballs, averaging 9.9 kicks, 6.4 marks, 3.0 handballs. 80 goals (first in the AFL in goals) 36 behinds. Three clearances, 43 inside 50m, Three rebound 50m. 67 tackles.

Jeremy McGovern. Never previously All Australian. 21 games in 2016. 229 kicks, 130 marks, 97 handballs, averaging 10.9 kicks, 6.2 marks, 4.6 handballs. Three goals five behinds. Four clearances, 30 inside 50m, 75 rebound 50m. 31 tackles. 

Luke Shuey. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 266 kicks, 55 marks, 302 handballs, averaging 12.1 kicks, 2.5 marks, 13.7 handballs. 12 goals eight behinds. 145 clearances (equal fourth in the AFL in clearances), 84 inside 50m, 44 rebound 50m. 143 tackles (sixth in the AFL in tackles).

Marcumarcus Bontempelli. Never previously All Australian. 22 games in 2016. 244 kicks, 86 marks, 296 handballs, averaging 11.1 kicks, 3.9 marks, 13.5 handballs. 22 goals 14 behinds. 89 clearances, 93 inside 50m, 24 rebound 50m. 107 tackles.

Matthew Boyd. All Australian 2009, 2011.  20 games in 2016. 347 kicks (10th in the AFL in kicks), 146 marks (10th in the AFL in marks), 210 handballs, averaging 17.4 kicks, 7.3 marks, 10.5 handballs. Zero goals one Behind. 15 clearances, 41 inside 50m, 93 rebound 50m (sixth in the AFL in R50). 42 tackles.

No nominated players: Brisbane Lions, Essendon

All-Australian Team Using afl.com.au Player Ratings System

This All-Australian Team has been put together by afl.com.au using their official player's ratings system.

afl.com.au Fans All-Australian Team

afl.com.au put together a fan survey getting people to vote for their preferred Al-Australian line up ahead of tonight's official naming of the All-Australian team here it is:

My All-Australian Team 2015

Back Pocket - Easton Wood (WB)
Full Back - Alex Rance (Rich)
Back Pocket - Josh Gibson (Haw)

Half Back - Matthew Boyd (WB)
Centre Half Back - Michael Hurley (Ess)
Half Back - Robert Murphy (WB)

Wing - Andrew Gaff (WCE)
Centre - Sam Mitchell (Haw)
Wing - Patrick Dangerfield (Ade)

Half  Forward -  Chad Wingard (PA)
Centre Half Foward - Taylor Walker (Ade)
Half Forward - Brett Deledio (Rich)

Forward Pocket - Eddie Betts (Ade)
Full Forward - Josh Kennedy (WCE)
Forward Pocket - Jeremy Cameron (GWS)

Ruck - Todd Goldstein (NM)
Ruck Rover - Nathan Fyfe (Fre)
Rover - Dan Hannebery (SS)

I/C - Matt Priddis (WCE)
I/C - Dane Swan (Coll)
I/C - David Armitage (Stk)
I/C - Dustin Martin (Rich)

All-Australian Squad Of 40

Eddie Betts, Adelaide.
Patrick Dangerfield, Adelaide. Prev All-Australian  2012, 2013
Rory Laird, Adelaide. 
Taylor Walker, Adelaide. 
Scott Pendlebury, Collingwood. Prev All Australian 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. Dane Swan, Collingwood. Prev All Australian 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013.  
Michael Hurley, Essendon.
Nathan Fyfe, Fremantle. Prev All Australian 2014. 
Stephen Hill, Fremantle. 
Garrick Ibbotson, Fremantle. 
David Mundy, Fremantle.  
Lachie Neale, Fremantle. 
Jeremy Cameron, Greater Western Sydney. Prev All Australian 2013. 
Heath Shaw, Greater Western Sydney. 
Shaun Burgoyne, Hawthorn. All Australian 2006. 
Josh Gibson, Hawthorn. 
Jack Gunston, Hawthorn.   
Jordan Lewis, Hawthorn. All Australian 2014. 
Sam Mitchell, Hawthorn. All Australian 2011, 2013. 
Cyril Rioli, Hawthorn. All Australian 2012. 
Todd Goldstein, North Melbourne. 
Shaun Higgins, North Melbourne. 
Robbie Gray, Port Adelaide. All Australian 2014.
Chad Wingard, Port Adelaide. All Australian 2013. 
Brett Deledio, Richmond. All Australian 2012. 
Dustin Martin, Richmond. 
Alex Rance, Richmond. All Australian 2014. 
Jack Riewoldt, Richmond. All Australian 2010. 
Dan Hannebery, Sydney Swans. All Australian 2013. 
Josh Kennedy, Sydney Swans. All Australian 2012, 2014. 
Andrew Gaff, West Coast.
Josh Kennedy, West Coast.
Jeremy McGovern, West Coast. 
Nic Naitanui, West Coast. All Australian 2012. 
Matt Priddis, West Coast.  
Matthew Boyd, Western Bulldogs. All Australian 2009, 2011. 
Luke Dahlhaus, Western Bulldogs. 
Robert Murphy, Western Bulldogs. All Australian 2011. 
Jake Stringer, Western Bulldogs. 
Easton Wood, Western Bulldogs.

Official AFL Website afl.com.au Mid-Year All-Australian Team

The Offical AFL website afl.com.au has released their mid-year All-Australian team based on current form over the first 12 rounds. 

I agree with most of their picks but I have put together my own 22 which I will display underneath the image I copied from afl.com.au.

ALEX RANCE (Richmond)
Arguably the game's in-form defender this season, Rance has continued his All Australian form from 2014. He has played on talls and smalls and was even tried, albeit unsuccessfully, in the midfield, such is his versatility. 

MICHAEL HURLEY (Essendon)
Averaging career-high marks (7.2) and possessions (20.5), Hurley has been shutting down opponents and charging out of defence this year to rank No.4 in the AFL for rebounds. Has a great partnership with Cale Hooker. 

HEATH SHAW (Greater Western Sydney)
The Giants' veteran provides the lockdown small option in this team, while also serving as an attacking threat. He leads the AFL in rebound 50s (6.8 a game) and is averaging his most disposals since 2011.    

SAM MITCHELL (Hawthorn)
A star midfielder, Mitchell has also drifted across half-back this season to great effect where his decision-making and disposal has been impeccable. His disposal (29.5), inside 50 (4.1) and clearance (5.2) numbers haven't suffered at all. 

HARRY TAYLOR (Geelong)
Taylor's ability as an intercept marker, shutdown tall and rebounder has made him one of the Cats' most valuable players this season. His opponent always needs to worry about him, given his ability to push forward. Leads the AFL in marks (7.8 a game). 

JARRAD McVEIGH (Sydney Swans)
The versatile veteran could be played across half-forward or in the midfield, but he has often returned to his original half-back role this season. Racked up a massive 39 possessions against Gold Coast in round 10.  

DYLAN SHIEL (Greater Western Sydney)
Shiel's fourth season has seen him take his biggest leap yet, becoming an elite ball-winner (ranked No.5 in the AFL) with 29 possessions a game. His dynamic movement and strength at stoppages has been a feature in an ultra-consistent season. 

MATT PRIDDIS (West Coast)
The reigning Brownlow medallist has not just maintained his elite standard, he's lifted his disposals (30.5), clearances (7.4) and contested possessions (15.3) to career highs. At this point, there would be no surprise if he won or ran second in the Brownlow Medal. 

DAN HANNEBERY (Sydney Swans)
Averaging more than 30 possessions for the first time in his career, Hannebery has started this season on fire after his Grand Final disappointment. His ability to run into space, work for teammates and use the ball well inside 50 has been outstanding. 

LUKE PARKER (Sydney Swans)
Unlucky to miss the final team in 2014, Parker has kicked on superbly and is in this team as a goalkicking midfielder (11 for the season). Booted 5.1 and racked up 31 possessions against Geelong in round seven. 

LANCE FRANKLIN (Sydney Swans)
Ranked No.3 in the Coleman Medal race, Franklin has kicked multiple goals in all but two games. His ability to beat his opponent in the air, on the ground and up the field has remained a feature. 

ROBBIE GRAY (Port Adelaide)
Another midfielder who averages a goal a game and is a constant threat going inside 50, Gray has claims for a midfield spot but is forced onto a flank. All Australian last year, he is averaging career-high disposals (26.9), tackles (5.7), clearances (8.6) and contested possessions (14.7). 

EDDIE BETTS (Adelaide)
Without doubt the best small forward this season, Betts has booted 33 goals and thrilled fans with his brilliance from the pockets. He has maintained his tackling presence but has been much better in the air and when pushing up the ground. 

JOSH KENNEDY (West Coast)
The most dangerous tall forward in the AFL this year, Kennedy has kicked 43.23 and is leading the Coleman Medal race. The high water mark was his 10-goal performance against Carlton in round two. 

PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Adelaide)
While the star Crow couldn't be squeezed into the midfield, he needs to be in this team and would work well as a forward, where he has been used by Phil Walsh as a weapon. Has played some of the best football of any player at times in 2015. 

TODD GOLDSTEIN (North Melbourne)
Started with a rocket and has maintained his form to sit No.2 in the AFL for hit-outs (average of 40.3 – a career high). Rucks one-out, covers the ground well and is influential at ground level, separating him from the pack this season. 

NAT FYFE (Fremantle)
Without doubt the best player in the game this season, Fyfe's size and strength has made him a force at stoppages where he has won an AFL-high 98 clearances. Brushes off tackles, kicks spectacular goals and is elite in the air. 

DAVID ARMITAGE (St Kilda)
A clean bill of health has allowed the gritty midfielder to reach his potential this year and average a career-high 30.8 possessions (No.2 in the AFL). Has become the Saints' new midfield leader after Lenny Hayes' retirement.  

AARON SANDILANDS (Fremantle)
Demands a spot on the bench after a start to the season that has seen him twice break the record for hit-outs in a match. His ability at stoppages, with 42.6 hit-outs a match, has Fremantle ranked equal second for clearances.  

LACHIE NEALE (Fremantle)
The fourth-year midfielder has built great chemistry with Sandilands and is a crucial cog in the Dockers' feared stoppage mix. He has been a prolific ball-winner, averaging 26.7 disposals (No.13 in the AFL). 

ANDREW GAFF (West Coast)
An elite ball-winner on the outside, Gaff has built a better balance this season and lifted his contested ball and clearance numbers. He has won more uncontested possessions than any player this season (21.1 a game). 

SCOTT PENDLEBURY (Collingwood)
An All Australian for five straight years, Pendlebury's standards haven't slipped in 2015 and demands a spot as a result. He remains a magician in the midfield and is pushing into attacking positions more often.    

Mark Robinson a sports writer for the HeraldSun newspaper has also published a mid-year All-Australian team it is listed below.

Robbo’s All-Australian at Round 12

B: Heath Shaw (GWS) Tom McDonald (Melb) Michael Hurley (Ess)

HB: Robert Murphy (WB) Alex Rance (Rich) Corey Enright (Geel)

C: Brandon Ellis (Rich) Matthew Priddis (WCE) Isaac Smith (Haw)

HF: Jack Riewoldt (Rich) Lance Franklin (Syd) Dustin Martin (Rich)

F: Eddie Betts (Adel) Josh Kennedy (WC) Luke Dahlhaus (WB)

Foll: Todd Goldstein (NM) Nat Fyfe (Frem) Dan Hannebery (Syd)

Inter: Dylan Shiel (GWS) Andrew Gaff (WCE) Robbie Gray (PA) David Armitage (StK)

Rolling All-Australian Team 2015 Updated As Of Round 5

Last year Matthew Lloyd had a rolling All-Australian team on the Sunday Footy Show so I'm stealing the idea starting my own 

B: Alex Rance (Rich), Cale Hooker (Ess), Michael Hurley (Esse)
HB: Luke Hodge (Haw), Daniel Talia (Ade), Robert Murphy (WB)
C: , Dylan Shiel (GWS),  Nat Fyfe (Fre), Travis Boak (PA)
HF: Jack Gunston (Haw), Lance Franklin (SS), Dustin Martin (Rich)
F: Robbie Gray (PA), Josh Kennedy (WC), Eddie Betts (Ade)
Foll: Todd Goldstein (NM), David Armitage (Stk), Dan Hannebery (SS)
I/C: Scott Pendlebury (Co), Matt Priddis (Wce), Jeremy Cameron (Gws), Jarryd Roughead (H)

All-Australian Snub for Crow Ruckman

The 2014 AFL All-Australian 22 was released today with the line up being fairly predictable but to me there was one lucky crow and one unlucky one.
But before I get to that there were 13 new faces in the team including Cale Hooker and Dyson Heppell from Essendon, Daniel Talia and Brodie Smith from Adelaide, Nick Smith and Nick Malceski from Sydney, Alex Rance from Richmond, Robbie Gray and Travis Boak from Port Adelaide, Luke Bruest and Jordan Lewis from Hawthorn, Hayden Ballantyne from Fremantle and Tom Rockliff from Brisbane.
Daniel Talia who has had a couple of suburb season's on the trot ow possibly made it in on that basis with Harry Taylor extremely unlucky to miss in my opinion, and the other for me was Sam Jacobs in the ruck being overlooked for Aaron Sandilands.Surely Stefan Martin would have been a lock had he played more games especially when you compare stats between the 3.
2014 Averages       KICKS MARKS H/BALLS DISPOSALS  H/OUTS TACKLES TOTAL GOALS
Aaron Sandilands       3.3     3.7     9.5       12.7        38.7     1.9       8.6
Sam Jacobs                8.8     4.1      7.5       16.3        34.7    2.1       7.3
Stefan Martin            10.2    5.7    12.2      22.5       28.2     3.2       1.4
In my eyes Scott Pendlebury whilst having another stellar consistent season was also fortunate to be picked ahead of some other players like: Matt Priddis, Sam Jacobs, Bryce Gibbs, Jack Gunston, Nathan Jones, Dustin Martin but maybe it's just my hatred of the Collingwood Football Club (just kidding) Scottie Pendlebury is a bloody champion player and I have no problem at all being picked to be in ANY current line up.
And Joel Selwood as Captain I could imagine a better person to be named Captain of a best of side.