The Virgin Australia 2014 AFL All Australian team coming soon.
THE 40-MAN All Australian squad will be named on September 2, with the final team to be announced on Tuesday, September 16. AFL.com.au reporters take a look at the key candidates from each club and some of the outside chances.
ADELAIDE
Patrick Dangerfield Inconsistency from his side has hurt Dangerfield's ability to play at his best - as have numerous niggling injuries. But the powerful midfielder is still fourth for inside-50s, second for total contested possessions and fifth for clearances.
Sam Jacobs Back to the 2012 form that helped his side reach a preliminary final, Jacobs has probably been the most effective big man in the competition. He's ranked fourth for hit-outs and has averaged almost 17 disposals a game.
Brodie Smith After his 2013 campaign was hampered by injury, Smith has emerged as the league's most prolific rebounding defender this year. He leads the competition in rebound 50s, is eighth for total bounces and, at his best, has offered the Crows incredible offensive drive. - Harry Thring
BRISBANE LIONS
Pearce Hanley He started slowly, but the Irishman has backed up a brilliant 2013 with a storming back half of the season. Averaging 25 touches – most of the highest quality - Hanley has his fingerprints all over most Lions victories.
Tom Rockliff After finishing fifth in last year's Brownlow, the prolific midfielder has taken his game to another level. His numbers say it all – second in disposals (32), first in tackles (nine) and sixth in contested possessions. Is now having more influence in games. – Michael Whiting
CARLTON
Bryce Gibbs After teasing with his talent for so long, Gibbs has developed into the elite midfielder Carlton supporters always hoped he would be. The former No.1 draft pick is averaging 24.7 possessions and nearly a goal a game and should be right in contention for a first All Australian jumper.
Kade Simpson There's an argument to say that even after 220 career games, Simpson remains underrated. An All Australian jumper could alter those perceptions and the half-back should be in the discussions to make the 40-man squad. Simpson has averaged 24.3 disposals and 6.5 marks this year.
Chris Yarran The pacy 23-year-old has enjoyed a standout campaign breaking the lines from half-back and pinch-hitting in attack. Yarran leads the AFL for bounces – with 64 at 3.4 per game – and has also booted 18 goals in a consistent season. – Travis King
COLLINGWOOD
Scott Pendlebury Not his best season by any measure but still an automatic selection in the All-Australian team. Pendlebury was exceptional in the first half of the season, dominating games and then has been forced to do heavy lifting when stocks depleted late.
Jamie Elliott Injury probably rules Elliott out of the team but he is a chance to make the squad based on his performances up until round 15. At that point he had kicked 30 goals and rarely been out of the team's best players.
Steele Sidebottom Another who might make the squad based on his form before he was suspended in round 11, Sidebottom lifted his game to another level in 2014.
Dayne Beams Reminded football supporters how valuable he was at Collingwood with a series of consistent performances. He kicked 23 goals and kept battling against the odds. Beams shapes as a potential 40-man squad inclusion. - Peter Ryan
Dyson Heppell has truly come of age in 2014. Picture: AFL Media
Dyson Heppell
Stepped up in the absence of Jobe Watson in the second half of the season to become Essendon's most important midfielder. Wins the inside disposals as well as the uncontested, and has proven to be almost 'untaggable'. Has averaged 28.3 disposals and five clearances in 20 games. In just his fourth AFL season, Heppell has been labelled a future captain of the club and is a Brownlow Medal fancy for this year.
Cale Hooker
Only a couple of years after Essendon was going to trade Hooker for draft selections he has become a player central to their success at centre half-back. Hooker not only stops his direct opponent, but also helps out his other defenders as a leading intercept marker for the club. Finds plenty of the ball across half-back and is trusty in the air.
Paddy Ryder
Ryder has enjoyed his most consistent season in the ruck in his nine-year career at Essendon. Whether that's enough to get him in the All Australian side is another matter, but he should be considered for at least a spot in the extended squad. Averages 26 hit-outs a game, but has kicked more goals (15) and takes on average at least one more mark inside-50 every game than any other of the big men in contention. – Callum Twomey
FREMANTLE
Hayden Ballantyne This year is the first time in Ballantyne's career he's kicked 40 or more goals in a season (now on 42). He's kicked three bags of five or more and been one of Fremantle's genuine match-winners. Two needless suspensions have seen him miss two games but he must be considered for a small forward role in the final 22.
Nat Fyfe A lock in the All Australian side. He was unlucky to miss last season when he won his first best and fairest and has had an even better year in 2014. Fyfe is leading the AFL Coaches Association’s best player award and is a chance to top Brownlow Medal voting despite being ineligible.
David Mundy More of a chance for the 40-man squad than the final 22. He's averaged 24 touches and kicked seven goals. Those numbers compare favourably with his performances in 2010 and 2013 when he was named in the All Australian 40-man squad.
Aaron Sandilands Was named All Australian in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and he has returned to a similar vein of form this year. He is No.1 in the AFL for hit-outs a game and hit-outs to advantage. Compared to 2010 he's averaged three fewer disposals a game, one less mark a game and has kicked six fewer goals for the year so far. – Alex Malcolm
Corey Enright, Harry Taylor and Joel Selwood are all chances to make the squad. Picture: AFL Media
GEELONG
Harry Taylor After a slow start, the key defender has been in brilliant form in the past two months. He was best on ground against Fremantle in round 19 when he took 19 marks and he backed that up with another outstanding performance against Carlton last weekend.
Tom Hawkins Although he has kicked only one goal in his past two matches, the key forward has been one of Geelong's most important players this season. He was outstanding in the Cats' early wins against Collingwood and Hawthorn and sits fourth in the race for the Coleman Medal with 51 goals.
Joel Selwood The Cats' skipper hasn't enjoyed his finest season, but he's still been a very good player over the course of the season. He has averaged 25.3 disposals per game and has kicked 18 goals.
Corey Enright The veteran half-back, who last year made the All Australian team for the fifth time, has again been a pillar of strength in Geelong's backline. He is averaging 20 disposals and five marks per game and has even snuck forward and slotted six goals. - Adam McNicol
HAWTHORN
Luke Breust The ex-rookie has developed into arguably the AFL's premier small forward in 2014. Breust worked tirelessly on his goalkicking during pre-season and is now deadly. He booted an equal-record 29 majors without a behind this year and is now 5th in the Coleman Medal race with 51 goals. A certainty to receive the All Australian nod for the first time.
Jack Gunston The versatile forward has admirably shouldered more responsibility since Lance Franklin's departure and sits ninth on the Coleman Medal table with 45 majors. A big finish to the season might be required to lift Gunston above some strong forward line contenders for the All Australian squad.
Luke Hodge Maybe not the skipper's most outstanding season by his lofty standards but he's still racked-up nearly 25 possessions per game and kicked eight goals. Hodge's leadership should not be underrated during coach Alastair Clarkson's five-game absence. Already has three All Australian jumpers and might yet earn a fourth.
Jordan Lewis The vice-captain has come into his own this season, showcasing his ball-winning qualities and leadership ability. Lewis' reliability has been critical in the Hawks' trying campaign and he leads Hawthorn for average disposals (27.9) and clearances (5.9). Richly deserves his first All-Australian jumper.
Jarryd Roughead Until his suspension last round Roughead was on track to win back-to-back Coleman Medals. With 55 goals to his name, he still could. Roughead remains Hawthorn's most valuable player, evidenced by the Hawks losing both matches he's missed through suspension. Should receive his 2nd All Australian gong.
Isaac Smith It's been a stellar year for the speedster, who is now regularly being tagged. Smith has booted 21 goals from a wing and is averaging 22 touches per game. There's no doubt his coach would love Smith to be available for International Rules by earning a first All-Australian guernsey. – Travis King
Steven May has taken on some of the League's biggest forwards this season. Picture AFL Media
GOLD COAST
Gary Ablett Will miss the final seven weeks of the season after shoulder surgery, but he still demands a spot. Ablett's first 15 weeks were peerless and proved he is still the best player in the game.
Steven May Taking the best forward every week is no easy task, and May has been beaten on only a handful of occasions. Had the better of Franklin, Pavlich, Petrie and both Riewoldts among others. Often leads his opponent to the ball and has been a catalyst for the Suns' improved season.
David Swallow Like many of his teammates, Swallow has dropped off late in the year, but many close to the club believe he will be pushing Ablett for the best and fairest lead before the skipper's injury. Should be closely considered for the initial squad in a breakout season. – Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Shane Mumford The big ruckman has been a resounding success in his first season as a Giant. He missed five games early in the year, but has still made 15 appearances, ranks third in the AFL for average hit-outs and would be a worthy entrant in the 40-man squad.
Devon Smith The impressive youngster has taken another major step forward this season, setting new career highs in disposals (21.3) and marks (4.4) while kicking 23 goals through 19 games. It might be a little too soon for him, but a place in the squad wouldn't be a shock.
Adam Treloar It seems only a matter of time before Treloar reaches superstar status. His 27.6 disposals per game rank him 10th in the AFL and, while midfield spots are so hard to come by, the 21-year-old's eye-catching efforts this year would be deserving of a spot in the 40-man squad.
Callan Ward Jeremy Cameron is GWS' only All Australian to date, but Ward has an enormous chance to add his name to that list. Tenth in the AFL for total tackles and averaging 25 touches per game, his leadership has been exemplary and he deserves to take the next step. – James Dampney
MELBOURNE
Lynden Dunn Had All Australian selection been run at round 10, Dunn would likely have featured in the final team. His intercept marking and ability to jostle with taller opponents was one of the trademarks of Melbourne's defence in the early going. Dunn still may be consisidered for the All Australian squad of 40.
Nathan Jones The Demons co-captain has been the club's most consistent performer in 2014. He is averaging career highs in disposals (27.7 per game), tackles (5.2), clearances (6.1) and contested possessions (11.3). A career-year could well translate into his first All Australian selection.
Neville Jetta Melbourne coach Paul Roos has labelled Jetta the club's best-performed player over the past nine weeks and it's hard to argue. Since being elevated to the senior list in round five, Jetta has thrived in a negating role, beating the likes of Brandon Matera, Eddie Betts, Luke Dahlhaus, Chad Wingard and Jamie Elliott. There haven't been too many better than Jetta in that role. – Ben Guthrie
NORTH MELBOURNE
Todd Goldstein The North ruckman has twice made the preliminary All Australian squad (2011, 2013) and should again be in selectors' minds this year. Third in the AFL for total hitouts in 2014 (averaging 33.9 a game), Goldstein has enjoyed another consistent season.
Lachlan Hansen The key defender has been one of the best intercept marks in the competition this year, cutting off countless opposition attacks with his sure hands. Hansen has also been stronger in one-on-one contests this season and could be considered for the preliminary All Australian squad.
Brent Harvey The veteran Roo is averaging a career-high 25.6 possessions a game in 2014 and has kicked 27 goals. At 36, Harvey is still one of the most damaging high half-forwards in the AFL and is a strong chance to make his fifth All Australian team. - Nick Bowen
Jay Schulz is improving with age and at 29 could get his first All Australian guernsey. Picture: AFL Media
PORT ADELAIDE
Travis Boak The skipper has backed up his 2013 All Australian season superbly. He's averaged more disposals this year and has led the Power to a higher finish than their eighth place last season. Boak is an elite ball winner and has helped turn games in the Power's favour on multiple occasions.
Robbie Gray The second year back from a devastating knee injury has been nothing short of spectacular for Gray. He's second in the AFL for goal assists, is averaging 24 disposals a game and could easily overtake Fremantle's Nat Fyfe to claim the Coaches Association MVP award.
Jay Schulz He's been off the boil over the past month, but this year Schulz has proven once and for all that he's one of the League's very best forwards. He's nailed 54 goals so far this season and few could argue against selecting him at full forward in the All Australian team. - Harry Thring
RICHMOND
Trent Cotchin An All Australian in 2012, Cotchin hasn't been as damaging as he was when he finished equal second in the Brownlow Medal, but he has produced some fine performances through the Tigers' resurgence. His leadership has grown and he could factor in the 40-man squad, with midfield places at a premium.
Dustin Martin The dynamic midfielder must be considered for his first All Australian jumper on the strength of his form in the second half of the season. The 23-year-old, who could also win his first club best and fairest, could fill a spot in the forward line, having kicked multiple goals in seven games for a tally of 26.
Alex Rance Unlucky to miss the 40-man squad in 2013, the key defender could make the grade this season. Since returning from a foot injury in round seven, the 24-year-old has been one of the best-performed backmen in the competition, providing valuable rebound from defence (ranked No.2 at the club). – Nathan Schmook
ST KILDA
Nick Riewoldt The star forward has put together another fine season against the odds, kicking 47 goals in 20 games despite the Saints ranking 17th in the competition for inside-50s. While Riewoldt trails Coleman Medal contenders Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead, Jay Schulz and Tom Hawkins for scoreboard impact, his work up the ground as a marking option has been unrivalled, leading the AFL with 170 marks. – Nathan Schmook
Jarrad McVeigh and Nick Malceski are both in the running for selection. Picture: AFL Media
SYDNEY SWANS
Lance Franklin Wasn't Buddy supposed to destroy the Swans? Hardly. He leads the AFL with 61 goals, has shown impressive commitment to the defensive side of his game and has helped the Swans be on the cusp of the minor premiership. He's a lock.
Josh Kennedy Once again among the competition leaders for clearances and contested possessions, he is averaging a career-best 29 disposals and is right in the mix for this year's Brownlow Medal. Lock him in too.
Luke Parker This has been a breakout year for the 21-year-old. He is averaging 25.5 touches and just under a goal a game. But, considering the AFL's midfield depth, he may need to do it all again next year to make the final team.
Nick Malceski If the running defender makes the team, as he surely will, it would have to rank among the most popular selections in recent memory. In the 10th season of an injury-plagued career, he has played every game and averaged a career-best 24 possessions while setting the Swans up with his penetrating boot and run off half-back.
Ben McGlynn Playing predominantly through the midfield for the first time, he has been a raging success story. He has missed four games and is now injured, which could count against him, but his intensity, tackling and skill should have him right on the cusp of selection.
Jarrad McVeigh Surely one of the competition's most consistent players, he has enjoyed another excellent year filling a variety of roles. Some of his stats are marginally down on last year's All Australian and best and fairest-winning season, but he would still be a worthy squad member.
Nick Smith A no-fuss defender, he gets asked to subdue the League's best small forwards every week and is rarely beaten. Starting to earn the plaudits he deserves outside of Sydney, a first All Australian jumper would be a deserving reward for the 26-year-old.
Ted Richards All Australian in 2012, Richards was slightly down on that form last season, but has roared back to his best this year. He could get pipped at the post, but would look right at home in the squad at least. – James Dampney
WEST COAST
Shannon Hurn Unlikely to make the final 22, but his past month of football could put him into consideration for the 40-man squad. Hurn's value is not in raw numbers but rather the damage he does when he has the ball in his hands. He is averaging 18 touches, more than in 2012 when he finished third in the Eagles' best and fairest, but fewer than the 20 disposals he averaged in 2009 when he finished second to club champion Darren Glass.
Eric Mackenzie Made the All Australian 40-man squad last season and many thought he was unlucky not to claim a spot in the final 22. He has backed up 2013 with another wonderful season as the Eagles' No.1 key defender. He has blanketed some of the best power forwards in the competition.
Matt Priddis Has put together another outstanding season following on from his best and fairest year in 2013. Priddis is No.1 in the AFL for total disposals a game and fifth for contested possessions a game. He's also kicked 10 goals this season. It's only the second time in his career he's kicked 10 or more in a year. – Alex Malcolm
Unlucky not to be nominated last year, 2014 could see Tom Liberatore's first AA berth. Picture: AFL Media
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Luke Dahlhaus Playing predominately as a small forward since his arrival at Whitten Oval, the 21-year-old has pushed further up the ground in 2014 to great effect. He's averaging five more touches a game (21.8) while still retaining his manic tackling and pressure. Respected commentator David King has been pushing for his inclusion and he looms as a squad selection.
Tom Liberatore The 22-year-old is having another stellar season and leads the League in clearances, is second in tackles and fifth in contested possessions, making him a strong contender to receive his first All Australian jumper. Liberatore was a surprise exclusion from last year's squad of 40. – Ryan Davidson
