If Hawks Obtain O'Meara, Tom Mitchell And Vickery Then Might as well mark them down for another 3peat

The AFL administration will have a nightmare on their hands if the Hawks acquire Tom Mitchell , O'Meara and Vickery especially if they don't have to part with any of their stars. Geelong had a golden run which looked like it was over until over last summer they managed to get Dangerfield, Zac Smith, Henderson and Scott Selwood now they are poised for another premiership tilt. The Swans over the last 3-5 years looked finished as a power house then managed to get Franklin and Tippett. Between the Hawks ,Swans and Cats they have won 9 of the last 11 Grand Finals threatening to turn the competition into European Soccer where the same teams dominate the major leagues year after year. Something seriously has to be done about this as the top free agents on all teams now look to go to teams for success and end up picking these 3 more often than not, well maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration but still these 3 teams have had their time in the sun for god's sake let's hope the Bullies, Saints or someone else can throw a spanner in the works over the next few years, my fear is that if the Hawks get the 3 players mentioned and with the Swans not slowing down anytime soon and Geelong back at the top it could be a repeat of the past decade I really do hope that I'm wrong.

Robbie Gray Wins Third Straight PA Best And Fairest

Port Adelaide John Cahill Medal winners

John Cahill Medallist: Robbie Gray
B&F Second Place: Ollie Wines
B&F Third place: Jasper Pittard
Fos Williams Medal (Peer-voted best team man): Jasper Pittard
Gavin Wanganeen Medal (Best player under 21): Jarman Impey
Coaches Choice Award (Most improved): Jasper Pittard
John McCarthy Community Award (Service to community outside of player requirements): Jack Hombsch

Round 1 v St Kilda
22 – Robbie Gray
18 – Jasper Pittard
16 – Matthew Broadbent, Sam Gray
15 – Jackson Trengove
14 – Brad Ebert, Justin Westhoff
13 – Chad Wingard
9 – Tom Jonas
8 – Ollie Wines
7 – Charlie Dixon, Jack Hombsch
6 – Hamish Hartlett
5 – Jake Neade
3 – Travis Boak, Brendon Ah Chee
2 – Jay Schulz
Overall leader: Robbie Gray (22)

Round 2 v Adelaide
18 – Robbie Gray
14 – Aaron Young
11 – Brad Ebert
7 – Jasper Pittard, Jack Hombsch
6 – Ollie Wines, Matthew Broadbent, Matt Lobbe
5 – Jake Neade
1 – Travis Boak, Tom Jonas
Overall leader: Robbie Gray (40)

Round 3 v Essendon
20 – Robbie Gray
17 – Jasper Pittard
12 – Matthew Broadbent, Jared Polec, Jimmy Toumpas
11 – Brad Ebert, Charlie Dixon
10 – Travis Boak
9 – Ollie Wines
8 – Aaron Young
7 – Darcy Byrne-Jones, Tom Jonas
6 – Jackson Trengove, Karl Amon
5 – Justin Westhoff, Jake Neade, Matt Lobbe
4 – Sam Gray
3 – Brendon Ah Chee
2 – Jack Hombsch, Paul Stewart
1 – Jarman Impey
Overall leader: Robbie Gray (60)

Round 4 v GWS
16 – Jasper Pittard
5 – Darcy Byrne-Jones
4 – Chad Wingard, Jack Hombsch
3 – Matt Lobbe
1 – Aaron Young, Justin Westhoff, Tom Jonas
Overall leader: Robbie Gray (60)

Round 5 v Geelong
12 – Darcy Byrne-Jones
11 – Jasper Pittard
6 – Brad Ebert, Travis Boak, Matthew Broadbent, Charlie Dixon, Tom Jonas
5 – Ollie Wines
3 – Jack Hombsch
1 – Jackson Trengove
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (69)

Round 6 v Richmond
15 – Matthew Broadbent, Jarman Impey
13 – Jack Hombsch
12 – Jared Polec, Tom Jonas
11 – Ollie Wines, Justin Westhoff
10 – Aaron Young, Charlie Dixon
8 – Jasper Pittard
7 – Travis Boak, Darcy Byrne-Jones
6 – Jake Neade, Nathan Krakouer, Brendon Ah Chee, Paul Stewart
5 – Brad Ebert, Cam O’Shea
3 – Sam Gray, Hamish Hartlett
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (77)

Round 7 v Brisbane
19 – Jackson Trengove
16 – Ollie Wines, Brad Ebert, Charlie Dixon, Tom Jonas
13 – Jasper Pittard
12 – Travis Boak, Justin Westhoff, Jack Hombsch
11 – Aaron Young, Jarman Impey, Jake Neade
9 – Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jared Polec
8 – Matthew Broadbent, Chad Wingard, Brendon Ah Chee
7 – Hamish Hartlett
6 – Paul Stewart
5 – Cam O’Shea
1 – Nathan Krakouer, Jimmy Toumpas
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (90)

Round 8 v Carlton
7 – Aaron Young
6 – Olliew Wines, Jackson Trengove, Justin Westhoff
5 – Karl Amon
4 – Hamish Hartlett
3 – Darcy Byrne-Jones
2 – Charlie Dixon
1 – Jared Polec, Tom Jonas, Paul Stewart
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (90)

Round 9 v West Coast
16 – Aaron Young
11 – Travis Boak, Charlie Dixon
10 – Cam O’Shea
9 – Tom Jonas
8 – Robbie Gray
7 – Chad Wingard, Jared Polec
5 – Ollie Wines, Jackson Trengove, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Justin Westhoff
4 – Brad Ebert, Hamish Hartlett
3 – Jasper Pittard, Nathan Krakouer
2 – Jake Neade
1 – Matthew Broadbent, Paul Stewart
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (93)

Round 10 v Melbourne
18 – Darcy Byrne-Jones
17 – Justin Westhoff
15 – Jasper Pittard, Brad Ebert, Charlie Dixon
13 – Hamish Hartlett
12 – Robbie Gray, Travis Boak
10 – Chad Wingard
9 – Ollie Wines
8 – Aaron Young, Nathan Krakouer
7 – Sam Gray
6 – Paul Stewart, Dougal Howard
4 – Jake Neade
2 – Jarman Impey, Jack Hombsch, Karl Amon
1 – Jackson Trengove
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (108)

Round 11 v Collingwood
23 – Jarman Impey
17 – Aaron Young, Charlie Dixon
16 – Jake Neade
15 – Travis Boak
12 – Robbie Gray, Ollie Wines, Jasper Pittard
11 – Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard
10 – Darcy Byrne-Jones
8 – Brad Ebert
7 – Matthew Broadbent, Cam O’Shea
6 – Nathan Krakouer, Paul Stewart, Logan Austin
5 – Jackson Trengove, Jared Polec, Sam Gray
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (120)

Round 12 v Western Bulldogs
18 – Jasper Pittard
16 – Brad Ebert, Robbie Gray
15 – Jake Neade
11 – Aaron Young
8 – Jackson Trengove
7 – Travis Boak
6 – Darcy Byrne-Jones, Nathan Krakouer
5 – Chad Wingard
4 – Ollie Wines, Charlie Dixon
3 – Cam O’Shea
2 – Matthew Broadbent, Logan Austin
1 – Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (138)

Round 13 v Fremantle
10 – Jackson Trengove
7 – Darcy Byrne-Jones
6 – Chad Wingard
5 – Jarman Impey
4 – Jasper Pittard
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (142)

Round 14 BYE

Round 15 v Richmond
19 – Travis Boak, Kane MItchell
14 – Robbie Gray, Ollie Wines, Jackson Trengove
13 – Matthew Broadbent
12 – Brad Ebert
11 – Jasper Pittard, Cam O’Shea
10 – Aaron Young
9 – Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard
8 – Darcy Byrne-Jones, Hamish Hartlett
6 – Jarman Impey, Charlie Dixon, Nathan Krakouer, Karl Amon, Tom Clurey
5 – Jake Neade, Logan Austin
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (153)

Round 16 v Hawthorn
17 – Robbie Gray
11 – Matthew Broadbent
8 – Jarman Impey
7 – Chad Wingard
6 – Ollie Wines, Jasper Pittard, Darcy Byrne-Jones
5 – Nathan Krakouer
4 – Karl Amon
3 – Aaron Young
2 – Justin Westhoff, Hamish Hartlett
1 – Travis Boak
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (159)

Round 17 v North Melbourne
18 – Robbie Gray, Jackson Trengove
16 – Justin Westhoff, Chad Wingard
14 – Travis Boak
12 – Ollie Wines
11 – Aaron Young
10 – Hamish Hartlett
8 – Kane Mitchell
7 – Paul Stewart
6 – Matthew Broadbent, Jarman Impey, Logan Austin, Jay Schulz
5 – Brendon Ah Chee
4 – Darcy Byrne-Jones
2 – Karl Amon
1 – Jasper Pittard, Charlie Dixon
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (160)

Round 18 v GWS
18 – Brad Ebert
16 – Robbie Gray
14 – Jasper Pittard
11 – Travis Boak, Jackson Trengove
10 – Logan Austin
9 – Ollie Wines, Tom Clurey
6 – Matthew Broadbent, Darcy Byrne-Jones
5 – Paul Stewart
4 – Jarman Impey
2 – Sam Gray
Overall leader: Jasper Pittard (174)

Round 19 v Brisbane
20 – Ollie Wines, Jackson Trengove
17 – Robbie Gray, Brad Ebert, Chad Wingard
15 – Travis Boak
14 – John Butcher
12 – Jared Polec
11 – Aaron Young, Sam Gray, Karl Amon
10 – Jarman Impey, Nathan Krakouer
9 – Darcy Byrne-Jones
7 – Matthew Broadbent, Brendon Ah Chee
6 – Paul Stewart
5 – Logan Austin
4 – Justin Westhoff
3 – Tom Clurey
1 – Jimmy Toumpas
Overall leader: Robbie Gray (190)

Round 20 v Sydney
11 – Tom Clurey
8 – Ollie Wines
6 – Jarman Impey
5 – Jasper Pittard
3 – Darcy Byrne-Jones, Jared Polec
2 – Sam Gray
1 – Matthew Broadbent, Aaron Young, Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart, Logan Austin
Overall leader: Robbie Gray (190)

Round 21 v Melbourne
11 – Matthew Broadbent
9 – Ollie Wines
7 – Jared Polec, Sam Gray
6 – Jasper Pittard, Brad Ebert, Karl Amon
4 – Jarman Impey, Logan Austin
2 – Travis Boak, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Justin Westhoff
1 – Robbie Gray, Aaron Young, Jesse Palmer, Tom Clurey
Overall leader: Robbie Gray (191)

Round 22 v Adelaide
22 – Ollie Wines
15 – Robbie Gray
10 – Jared Polec
9 – Sam Gray
7 – Aaron Young, Jarman Impey, Matt Lobbe
6 – Travis Boak
5 – Jackson Trengove, Justin Westhoff, Tom Clurey, Jesse Palmer
4 – Jake Neade, Karl Amon
3 – Darcy Byrne-Jones, Cam O’Shea
1 – Jasper Pittard
Overall leader: Robbie Gray (206)

Round 23 v Gold Coast
24 – Robbie Gray
15 – Ollie Wines, Sam Gray
12 – Matthew Broadbent
10 – Matt Lobbe
7 – Jarman Impey, Riley Bonner
6 – Jay Schulz
5 – Brad Ebert, Travis Boak, Jackson Trengove, Jared Polec
4 – Jasper Pittard, Darcy Byrne-Jones, Logan Austin
3 – Karl Amon, Tom Clurey
2 – Justin Westhoff, Jesse Palmer

Final leaderboard 1st – Robbie Gray (230)
2nd – Ollie Wines (206)
3rd – Jasper Pittard (190)
4th – Brad Ebert (164)
5th – Travis Boak (157)
6th – Matthew Broadbent (150)
7th – Jackson Trengove (149)
8th – Aaron Young (147)
9th – Darcy Byrne-Jones (134)
10th – Justin Westhoff (124)
11th – Jarman Impey (115)
12th – Chad Wingard (113)
13th – Charlie Dixon (106)
14th – Jared Polec (83)
15th – Sam Gray (81)
16th – Jake Neade (78)
17th – Hamish Hartlett (63)
18th – Tom Jonas (62)
19th – Nathan Krakouer (51)
=20th – Jack Hombsch, Cam O’Shea (50)
22nd – Karl Amon (49)
23rd – Paul Stewart (48)
24th – Logan Austin (43)
25th – Tom Clurey (38)
=26th – Brendon Ah Chee, Matt Lobbe (31)
28th – Kane Mitchell (27)
29th – Jimmy Toumpas (17)
30th – Jay Schulz (15)
31st – John Butcher (14)
32nd – Jesse Palmer (8)
33rd – Riley Bonner (7)
34th – Dougal Howard (6)

Docherty Wins John Nicholls Medal As Carlton Best And Fairest Winner

JOHN NICHOLLS MEDAL LEADERBOARD:

1st - Sam Docherty (179 votes)
2nd - Kade Simpson (169)
3rd - Patrick Cripps (168)
4th - Bryce Gibbs (149)
5th - Ed Curnow (115)
6th - Matthew Wright, Sam Rowe (114)
8th - Zach Tuohy (91)
9th - Matthew Kreuzer (83)
10th - Sam Kerridge (82)

AWARD WINNERS 2016

Viney Wins Dees best And Fairest

2016 Melbourne best and fairest top 10

1. Jack Viney (407 votes)
2. Nathan Jones (399)
3. Max Gawn (374)
4. Dom Tyson (357)
5. Jack Watts (308)
6. Tom McDonald (306)
7. Bernie Vince (287)
8. Jesse Hogan (261)
9. Neville Jetta (260)
10. Dean Kent (235)

Other awards:

• Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (Coaches Award): Max Gawn
• Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy (Best Melbourne-listed player in the VFL): Jack Grimes
• Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (Best Young Player): Jayden Hunt
• Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy (Club Ambassador Award): Neville Jetta
• Ron Barassi Jnr Trophy (Leadership Award): Jack Viney
• James McDonald Trophy (Heart and Spirit Award): Max Gawn

Each Teams Nominee's For MVP, Best First year Player And Most Courageous

Adelaide

MVP: Rory Sloane, Eddie Betts, Daniel Talia
Best First Year: Wayne Milera
Most Courageous: Rory Laird

Brisbane Lions

MVP: Dayne Zorko, Tom Rockliff, Mitch Robinson
Best First Year: Josh Schache
Most Courageous: Mitch Robinson

Carlton

MVP: Sam Docherty, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson
Best First Year: Jacob Weitering
Most Courageous: Kade Simpson

Collingwood

MVP: Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Adam Treloar
Best First Year: Josh Smith
Most Courageous: Ben Sinclair

Essendon

MVP: Zach Merrett, Brendon Goddard, James Kelly
Best First Year: Darcy Parish
Most Courageous: Patrick Ambrose

Fremantle

MVP: Lachie Neale, Michael Walters, Stephen Hill
Best First Year: Sam Collins
Most Courageous: Aaron Sandilands

Geelong

MVP: Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood, Corey Enright
Best First Year: Tom Ruggles
Most Courageous: Joel Selwood

Gold Coast

MVP: Tom Lynch, Steven May, Jarrod Harbrow
Best First Year: Callum Ah Chee
Most Courageous: Steven May

Greater Western Sydney

MVP: Stephen Coniglio, Heath Shaw, Toby Greene
Best First Year: Jacob Hopper
Most Courageous: Callan Ward

Hawthorn

MVP: Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne, Cyril Rioli
Best First Year: Kade Stewart
Most Courageous: Ben Stratton

Melbourne

MVP: Jack Viney, Max Gawn, Nathan Jones
Best First Year: Josh Wagner
Most Courageous: Jack Viney

North Melbourne

MVP: Robbie Tarrant, Jack Ziebell, Daniel Wells
Best First Year: Ryan Clarke
Most Courageous: Jack Ziebell

Port Adelaide

MVP: Robbie Gray, Jasper Pittard, Jackson Trengove
Best First Year: Riley Bonner
Most Courageous: Brad Ebert

Richmond

MVP: Alex Rance, Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin
Best First Year: Daniel Rioli
Most Courageous: Alex Rance

St Kilda

MVP: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Sebastian Ross
Best First Year: Jade Gresham
Most Courageous: Sean Dempster

Sydney Swans

MVP: Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe
Best First Year: Callum Mills
Most Courageous: Luke Parker

West Coast

MVP: Matt Priddis, Josh Kennedy, Luke Shuey
Best First Year: Tom Cole
Most Courageous: Matt Priddis

Western Bulldogs

MVP: Marcus Bontempelli, Dale Morris, Lachie Hunter
Best First Year: Marcus Adams
Most Courageous: Dale Morris

Huge Surprise, Not, Mills Wins Rising Star

2016 NAB AFL RISING STAR

Player	Team	Votes
Callum Mills	SYD	49
Caleb Daniel	WB	41
Jacob Weitering	CARL	26
Darcy Parish	ESS	19
Darcy Moore	COLL	9
Jade Gresham	STK	2
Christian Petracca	MELB	2
Clayton Oliver	MELB	1
Lachie Weller	FRE	1

Zorko Wins Lions B & F Second Year Running

DAYNE Zorko has won his second successive Merrett-Murray Medal with a comfortable win at the Brisbane Lions' best and fairest count on Saturday night.

Zorko, who was one of four joint winners last year, tallied 122 votes to edge out fellow 2015 victors Mitch Robinson (110) and Stefan Martin (106).

Pearce Hanley and captain Tom Rockliff rounded out the top five revealed at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

It was a disastrous year for the Lions, but Zorko was a thoroughly deserving winner after compiling the best of his five seasons in the AFL.

The pocket dynamo midfielder played 20 games, averaged 24 disposals and kicked 23 goals.

"It's quite an honour to be joining some of the greats of the club that have won two Merrett-Murray medals," Zorko said.

"To be quite honest, I'm speechless.

"I tried to forget about the results and just go about playing my role for the team every week.

"It's just a reward for consistency throughout the year."

The 27-year-old was consistently the Lions' most damaging player.

It was a sombre night for the club after a three-win season, with sacked coach Justin Leppitsch not attending.

Chairman Bob Sharpless said the board could only do so much and the players had to "want it" in 2017.

Robinson continued his remarkable career revival, with a well-earned second place.

Playing largely as a tagger, the 27-year-old kept some of the game's biggest names quiet and averaged 22 disposals himself.

The awards night completed a tumultuous week for the club in which it barely avoided the wooden spoon last Sunday and sacked coach Justin Leppitsch on Monday.

The voting system sees the senior coach and his assistants score players based on their overall performance, influence on the game, team contribution/role, and compliance with team values and core areas of the game plan. 

The most votes a player can receive for a game is 12. 

Club Champion: Merrett-Murray Medallist	Dayne Zorko
Nigel Lappin Trophy - Runner up	Mitch Robinson
Alastair Lynch Trophy - Third place	Stefan Martin
Rookie of the Year	Josh Schache
Marcus Ashcroft Most Professional Player Award	Tom Cutler
Shaun Hart Most Competitive Player Award	Darcy Gardiner
Players’ Player Award	Tom Rockliff
Neville Fallon Brisbane Lions Reserves Best & Fairest	Billy Evans
Hyundai Club Player of the Year Award	Dayne Zorko
Vero Fan Moment of the year	Daniel Merrett
Murray Johnson Volunteer of the Year Award	Sam Mounajed
Debutants	Josh Clayton Matthew Hammelmann Eric Hipwood Jarrad Jansen Ben Keays Rhys Mathieson Josh Schache Archie Smith Reuben William

Lynch Wins Suns B & F Again

TOM Lynch has made it back-to-back best and fairests for Gold Coast with a runaway win at Southport Sharks Events Centre on Friday night.

Lynch, who was named in the All Australian team in Melbourne on Thursday night, completed a big 24 hours with his second successive Club Champion award.

The star forward made it to the Suns' awards night with just minutes to spare after his lunch-time flight from Melbourne was cancelled. 

But it was all worthwhile as he raced to an emphatic victory, racking up 209 votes to win by 80 from nearest challenger Jarrod Harbrow (129).

The vice-captain celebrated an emphatic victory, racking up 209 votes to win by 80 from nearest challenger Jarrod Harbrow (129).

Versatile third-year player Jack Martin finished third on 102 votes. 

Jaeger O'Meara and Dion Prestia - who have both told the club they want to be traded - attended the event.

The night was all about Lynch though, with the power forward rewarded for a remarkable season.

"I'm proud of the achievement," Lynch said. 

"I think I've got a fair bit to improve on.

"I can still improve on my strength. Another pre-season under JC (high performance manager Justin Cordy), who has made a massive improvement for me, just made me quicker, a bit more dynamic, so I'm looking forward to improving that. 

"I can still improve my goalkicking. I kicked pretty well this year, but towards the end I missed a few I'd like to have kicked."

With 66 goals he finished equal third in the Coleman Medal alongside Eddie Betts and took the most contested marks in the competition (62).

Lynch was a model of consistency, kicking four goals or more in 10 matches.

Gold Coast's five-man match committee can award votes to an unlimited number of players per match.

A player can receive a maximum of five votes from each individual member of the match committee, meaning the maximum number of votes a player can receive for any match is 25.

Second-year forward Peter Wright won the club's most improved player award for his 29-goal season, while ex-Roo Dan Currie was named the Suns' most professional player.

Harbrow won both the players' player award and the community award.

Gold Coast Club Champion top ten
1. Tom Lynch – 209
2. Jarrod Harbrow – 129
3. Jack Martin – 102
4. Steven May – 98
5. Aaron Hall – 93
6. Gary Ablett – 91
7. Touk Miller – 81
8. Alex Sexton – 73
9. Dion Prestia – 65
10. Sam Day – 54

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.

Jack Steven Wins 3rd straight B & F Award for Saints

JACK Steven has won St Kilda's best and fairest for the second consecutive year and the third time in his career.

The midfielder spent most of the count in front after a stellar season and notched up 172 votes, and finished in front of defender Jarryn Geary (157) and skipper Nick Riewoldt (153).

Steven said having the belief of his coach Alan Richardson helped him with his game.

"The biggest thing with Richo is he tells me to back myself," Steven said.

Leigh Montagna's move to the backline can be considered a success after he repeated his fourth placing of last year with 127 votes, while emerging leader Jack Newnes rounded out the top five on 125.

Steven won the Trevor Barker Award in 2013 and 2015 to become the 10th Saint to win the club championship at least three times.

It capped off a brilliant season for the 26-year-old who was nominated for the All Australian squad for the second time (the first being 2013).

He averaged 28 disposals per match and was prominent in the forward half of the ground, ranking second in the competition for inside 50s.

Steven and Geary loom as the front-runners to assume the captaincy in 2017, with Riewoldt set to hand the mantle on.

This was the first season Steven has been in the leadership group, with his one attempt at skipper successful, when St Kilda beat Carlton in round 12. Steven was excellent that day, with 25 disposals and 10 inside 50s.

Five coaches independently hand out between zero and four votes to each player to determine the best and fairest. Membrey took out the best emerging player award after he kicked 44 goals from 17 games. The former Sydney Swan was the highest goalkicker at the Saints this year.

Sam Gilbert was considered best clubman while Geary won the player trademark award, which is given to the individual who is considered to have typified the club's on-field values better than anyone else.

David Armitage became a St Kilda life member after bringing up his 150th career match in the final round victory against the Brisbane Lions. 

Top 10 leaderboard:
1. Jack Steven – 172

2. Jarryn Geary – 157

3. Nick Riewoldt – 153

4. Leigh Montagna – 127

5. Jack Newnes – 125

6. Seb Ross – 122

7. Maverick Weller – 117

8. Tom Hickey – 102

9. Tim Membrey – 99

=10. Sean Dempster – 96

=10. David Armitage – 96

Zac Merrett Essendon best And Fairest Winner

2016 Essendon Best and Fairest Top 101. Zach Merrett (378 votes)
2. Joe Daniher (273)
    James Kelly (273)
4. Brendon Goddard (269)
5. David Zaharakis (257)
6. Mitch Brown (245)
7. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (236)
8. Orazio Fantasia (229)
9. Matt Dea (228)
10. Darcy Parish (224)

Free Agents

Player		Status	On the Move?
		RICKY HENDERSON ADELAIDE	Unrestricted	The defender has struggled for senior opportunities this season and attracted strong interest from clubs in his home state of Victoria when he last came out of contract. Is believed to have satisfied a trigger clause that would see him play on with the Crows in 2017, but could opt to explore rival opportunities before recommitting.
		SCOTT THOMPSON ADELAIDE	Unrestricted	The 33-year-old made an outstanding start to 2016, but his form has dropped off recently. A decision on whether he plays on with Adelaide in 2017 will be made towards the end of the season, but it seems unlikely both he and fellow veteran Nathan van Berlo will continue.
		NATHAN VAN BERLO ADELAIDE	Unrestricted	The former skipper managed just three games in the first half of the season and appears to have fallen behind the Crows' new generation of midfielders. Only turned 30 in June, but will be playing for his football future in the remainder of the year.
		DANIEL RICH BRISBANE LIONS	Re-signed	Committed himself to the Lions long-term when he re-signed for another five years in March.
		DENNIS ARMFIELD CARLTON	Unrestricted	Was a free agent last year and appeared line-ball to play on in 2016 before signing a one-year deal late in the piece. Carlton is in no hurry to start talks with most of its out-of-contract players this year, but Armfield is every chance to extend his career given his outstanding recent form.
		KADE SIMPSON CARLTON	Unrestricted	After being appointed Carlton vice-captain in 2016, the 31-year-old is likely to play on at Ikon Park next season, fitness and form permitting.
		JARRYD BLAIR COLLINGWOOD	Unrestricted	The small forward has played every game this season but has yet to start negotiations on a new deal with Collingwood. Talks are expected to start soon after the Magpies' round 13 bye, but rival clubs are monitoring Blair's situation closely.
		NATHAN BROWN COLLINGWOOD	Restricted	Was dropped after playing the first six rounds, casting doubts on whether there's still a permanent spot for him in Collingwood's back six. Experienced key defenders are hard to find, however, so opposition clubs are circling Brown with growing interest. The level of senior opportunities he enjoys in the second half of this season will likely shape his post-2016 plans.
		BRENT MACAFFER COLLINGWOOD	Unrestricted	Finally back to full fitness after a knee reconstruction in August 2014, but has been out of favour since playing this season's opening two rounds. Macaffer's VFL form has been solid but the 28-year-old seems to be playing for his football future over the remainder of the season.
		STEELE SIDEBOTTOM COLLINGWOOD	Re-signed	Sidebottom attracted significant rival interest before re-committing to the Magpies on a five-year deal, understood to be worth around $3 million
		DANE SWAN COLLINGWOOD	Unrestricted	The 32-year-old faces a difficult decision on his future after suffering a severe foot injury in round one that is likely to sideline him for the rest of 2016. The 2011 Brownlow medallist will likely take his time before deciding whether to extend his career at the Holden Centre into a 16th season.
		ALAN TOOVEY COLLINGWOOD	Unrestricted	The 29-year-old defender remains a solid contributor at Collingwood and is highly valued for his off-field leadership, but contract talks are unlikely to start until late in the season.
		COURTENAY DEMPSEY ESSENDON	Unrestricted	The 28-year-old needs to produce a good season to extend his career at Tullamarine. Talks with Essendon won't start until later in the year.
		HEATH HOCKING ESSENDON	Re-signed	Demonstrated his loyalty to Essendon when he re-signed for 2017 in April.
		CALE HOOKER ESSENDON	Re-signed	There was no shortage of suitors for the West Australian. Fremantle led the way with a lucrative long-term offer, while it's believed North Melbourne, Melbourne, Hawthorn, Collingwood and Richmond signalled their interest in the All Australian defender to varying degrees. The Bombers also had to consider whether they were better off letting Hooker go so they could net a first-round compensation pick. Essendon had consistently said it wanted to retain Hooker and made good on its word in late April, re-signing him on a five-year deal worth about $750,000 a season.
		DAVID MYERS ESSENDON	Re-signed	Had been linked with West Coast, but in May became the fourth of Essendon's 12 suspended players to re-sign. The new deal ties him to the club until the end of 2019.
		TAYTE PEARS ESSENDON	Unrestricted	Could opt to pursue a career in fire-fighting rather than taking up a new one-year deal with Essendon.
		BRENT STANTON ESSENDON	Re-signed	The 30-year-old became the seventh banned Bomber to commit to the club, signing a one-year deal in August.

	ZAC CLARKE FREMANTLE	Unrestricted	The Victorian is firmly on the radar of a number of Melbourne-based clubs looking to bolster their ruck divisions. He re-signed with Fremantle for one season at the end of last year, in an indication he wanted to ensure he was well placed in the Dockers' ruck pecking order before re-committing long-term. Freo's decision to re-sign Aaron Sandilands for 2017 and the fact Jonathon Griffin is also contracted for next season could prompt Clarke to seek a fresh start elsewhere, but he would only move if he thought another club could offer him more opportunities in the ruck.
		MATT DE BOER FREMANTLE	Unrestricted	Played just two games in the first half of 2016 as Fremantle looked to blood its youngsters. The 26-year-old's future with the Dockers probably won't be decided until the end of the season, but his outstanding WAFL form has not gone unnoticed by rival clubs.
		CHRIS MAYNE FREMANTLE	Unrestricted	The hard-working forward's future at Fremantle remains clouded, but in recent weeks the odds of him staying with the Dockers have shortened. Rival clubs widely suspected Mayne would be at a new home in 2017, with a number of clubs in Melbourne believed to be interested. However, it's understood the 27-year-old has recently moved to open talks with Fremantle about a new contract.
		CLANCEE PEARCE FREMANTLE	Unrestricted	The 25-year-old midfielder is being closely monitored by teams on the eastern seaboard, although any free agency offers are likely to be made late in the piece. Pearce's standing at Freo won't be clear until later in the season when the Dockers can properly assess both his form and where their list is at.
		AARON SANDILANDS FREMANTLE	Re-signed	The four-time All Australian signed a one-year contract extension in May, ensuring he will extend his stellar career at Fremantle into a 15th season. Turns 34 in December.
		JIMMY BARTEL GEELONG	Unrestricted	As a 2015 free agent, the 2007 Brownlow medallist delayed a decision on his future until the end of last season. We expect he'll do the same this year.
		COREY ENRIGHT GEELONG	Unrestricted	The five-time All Australian remains in such strong form, he could easily play on next year at 35 – with the Cats, of course. The star defender won't make any decision until the end of the season.
		TOM LONERGAN GEELONG	Unrestricted	Turns 32 in May and will either continue with the Cats in 2017 or retire.
		LUKE HODGE HAWTHORN	Unrestricted	Some commentators have questioned whether the Hawks captain will be ushered into retirement at the end of this season as Hawthorn tries to stagger the exits of its star veterans. Hodge has had his injury problems this season, but they have been caused by collisions and not age-related soft-tissue issues. The two-time Norm Smith medallist will still be 32 when the 2017 season opens and we're not prepared to write him off just yet.
		SAM MITCHELL HAWTHORN	Re-signed	The three-time All Australian began the season in outstanding form, and it was no surprise when he inked another one-year contract extension in July.
		BRENDAN WHITECROSS HAWTHORN	Unrestricted	Attracted interest from the Brisbane Lions in last year's NAB AFL Trade Period before re-signing with the Hawks for 2016, but has not played a senior game this year despite strong VFL form. The 25-year-old would almost certainly move if he attracts opposition offers at the end of this season.
		JACK GRIMES MELBOURNE	Restricted	After managing just 12 games last season, the former co-captain has been completely out of favour this year despite solid VFL form. The 27-year-old does not appear to be part of the Demons' future plans and probably needs to finish the season strongly for a rival club to offer him a second chance.
		NEVILLE JETTA MELBOURNE	Re-signed	The small defender re-signed with the Dees at the start of July, despite opposition interest. He is now committed to Melbourne until the end of the 2018 season.
		JAKE SPENCER MELBOURNE	Re-signed	Re-signed with the Demons in May for 2017. Although Max Gawn is well entrenched as Melbourne's No.1 ruckman, Spencer, 27, is a handy back-up whose his competitiveness is highly rated at the club.
		JACK WATTS MELBOURNE	Re-signed	The 25-year-old is enjoying a career-best season and signed a new three-year deal in July.
		MICHAEL FIRRITO NORTH MELBOURNE	Unrestricted	Turns 33 in November but remains a key part of North's back six. His ability to play on bigger and taller opponents has been valuable this season as the Roos have opted to play a smaller backline without Lachie Hansen. Firrito's form suggests he could play on in 2017, but North has informed him he is not required next season.
		BRENT HARVEY NORTH MELBOURNE	Unrestricted	has been informed by the club that he is to be delisted at the end of season along with 3 other veterans over 30
		DREW PETRIE NORTH MELBOURNE	Unrestricted	The veteran spearhead's scoreboard output has been down this year but he remains a pivotal part of North's forward line structure with his defensive pressure and ability to bring the ball to ground. Along with Harvey, Firrito and Dal Santo will be delisted at end of 2016 finals campaign.
		LINDSAY THOMAS NORTH MELBOURNE	Re-signed	The 28-year-old has been consistently near the top of North's goalkicking table in recent seasons, and agreed a new two-year deal in July.
		DANIEL WELLS NORTH MELBOURNE	Unrestricted	North generally offers players over 30 one-year contracts, but Wells is understood to want a two-year deal. The 31-year-old has helped his cause with an outstanding start to 2016 that has underlined how valuable he remains to North at his best. Save for a minor hiccup with his troublesome Achilles tendon, his body has remained sound too. If his good health continues in the second half of the season, he could get his extra year.
		PAUL STEWART PORT ADELAIDE	Unrestricted	The journeyman utility has been a great servant for Port but his AFL career will likely wind up at the end of this year.
		TY VICKERY RICHMOND	Restricted	Vickery's ability to rotate between attack and the ruck makes him attractive to opposition clubs, especially after his solid first half of the season. The 26-year-old's preference is to stay at Punt Road but his discussions with Richmond have been progressing slowly.
		SEAN DEMPSTER ST KILDA	Unrestricted	Remains a key player for St Kilda in defence at 32, so a good chance to continue at Seaford in 2017.
		SAM FISHER ST KILDA	Unrestricted	The 33-year-old seemed likely to retire at the end of the season, given the Saints' defence will be bolstered by Jake Carlisle's return from a WADA suspension in 2017. But Hugh Goddard's serious Achilles tendon injury could mean the Saints ask him to go round again next season.
		LEIGH MONTAGNA ST KILDA	Re-signed	Dual All Australian Montagna was delighted to have earned a one-year contract extension. The deal ties the 32-year-old to the Saints until the end of 2017.
		NICK RIEWOLDT ST KILDA	Re-signed	The club legend has averaged more than 20 possessions playing higher up the ground this season. In June he signed a new one-year deal to extend his career into a 17th season in 2017.
		KIEREN JACK SYDNEY SWANS	Re-signed	The Swans co-captain inked a new three-year deal in April, joining fellow mids Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Harry Cunningham in choosing to extend their careers in Sydney.
		TED RICHARDS SYDNEY SWANS	Unrestricted	The 33-year-old key defender seems likely to retire at the end of this season, with the severe concussion he suffered against Hawthorn in round nine set to be a factor in his decision.
		MITCH BROWN WEST COAST	Unrestricted	The injury-prone defender resumed in the WAFL in round 11 after being sidelined by a finger injury suffered in West Coast's round one win over the Brisbane Lions. Faces a challenge to re-establish himself in the Eagles' backline given their tall options include Jeremy McGovern, Will Schofield and Eric Mackenzie. The 27-year-old Victorian will be in the sights of opposition clubs looking to add height in defence.
		SAM BUTLER WEST COAST	Unrestricted	The sole survivor of the 2006 premiership team remains an integral part of West Coast's defence with his composure and solid ball use. As in recent years, his future will be decided late in the season.
		PATRICK MCGINNITY WEST COAST	Unrestricted	As a 2015 free agent, he re-signed for one year after last year's NAB AFL Trade Period. His future is again likely to be decided late in the year.
		WILL SCHOFIELD WEST COAST	Re-signed	Signed a new three-year deal with the Eagles in March.
		MATTHEW BOYD WESTERN BULLDOGS	Unrestricted	The 33-year-old has played on a year-by-year basis for several seasons now. Whether he plays on with the Bulldogs or retires will be decided near the end of the season.
		WILL MINSON WESTERN BULLDOGS	Unrestricted	Not part of the Bulldogs' future plans, but clubs lacking ruck depth could offer the 31-year-old a fresh start as a support ruckman.
		DALE MORRIS WESTERN BULLDOGS	Re-signed	The 33-year-old inked a one-year deal in August.
		ROBERT MURPHY WESTERN BULLDOGS	Re-signed	The Bulldogs captain considered retirement after rupturing his left anterior cruciate ligament in round three. But the 34-year-old re-signed for 2017 in early June, saying he was excited by what the Bulldogs could achieve next season.