DOMINANT: Charlie Curnow was a force to be reckoned with this year, winning the Coleman Medal and looking for a first All-Australian selection.
(AFL PHOTOS)
After the recent All-Australian squad of 44 was announced, we take a look into each player selected and decide on a final 22 for the All-Australian team to be decided on Wednesday night.
Key Forwards
Jeremy Cameron 196cm, 96kg (Geelong)
The Geelong spearhead has been a revelation since crossing from GWS ahead of the 2021 season. Boasting incredible athleticism, speed and goal-kicking ability for a man 196cm, he is a crucial cog in a well-oiled machine. He finished the home and away season having kicked 59 goals in 2022. His athleticism has allowed him to play well up the ground in the back end of the season, sometimes even starting in the centre bounce. He takes the best defender every week and always finds a way to contribute to Geelong’s success. He is primed to receive his third All-Australian honour and first since 2019.
Tom Hawkins 198cm, 104kg (Geelong)
Hawkins is once again showing why he has been one of the best big men of the past decade. At the ripe age of 34, the Geelong superstar has equalled Cameron, kicking 59 goals in season 2022. He also boasts a remarkable 183 score involvements (ranked third in AFL), highlighting his selflessness and ‘team first’ attitude. He has formed a strong partnership with Jeremy Cameron since 2021. Hawkins has been a crucial part of Geelong’s ability to secure the minor premiership this year and will be vitally important in the finals on the Cats’ quest to the premiership. A strong chance to claim his fourth consecutive All-Australian blazer and fifth overall.
Charlie Curnow 192cm, 92kg (Carlton)
Curnow has made a remarkable return from an injury-riddled last few years, to become arguably the most damaging key forward in the game. The Blues star claimed his maiden Coleman Medal, kicking 64 goals this season. He has shone light on his undeniable talent and shows what a force he is when injury free. He holds impressive averages of almost three goals per game along with 5.7 marks this year. A key reason why Carlton came so close to their first finals berth since 2013 and will continue to be a force in years to come.
Tom Lynch 199cm, 99kg (Richmond)
The Tigers’ number one forward has rediscovered career best form, and the type of performances that made him so sought after during the trade period in 2018. Lynch ended the season kicking 60 goals from just 18 games, tearing some of the best opposition defenders apart throughout this year. Although suffering numerous hamstring injuries throughout 2022, it hasn’t stopped him from being one of the deadliest key forwards when he is on the field. It has been great to see the Richmond key forward firing on all cylinders this year. He will remain crucial to Richmond’s quest of going deep into September. He is looking for his second All-Australian selection and first since 2016.
Taylor Walker 194cm, 102kg (Adelaide)
The former Adelaide captain has contributed significantly in what has been another tough season for his side. After a tumultuous 2021 season that saw him on the trade table, he has delivered his best year since 2017. The spearhead forward has kicked 54 goals this season, averaging an impressive 14.2 disposals per game. He has also pulled down big grabs at will, recording almost 100 marks this year. The 32-year-old is seemingly in some of his best career form heading into next season. He will continue to be a key experienced head for the Crows, helping develop impressive talents like Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe. Would be considered a bit of a smokey to receive his first All-Australian blazer but remains a chance.
Small Forwards
Shai Bolton 175cm, 77kg (Richmond)
The 23-year-old has had Tigers and AFL fans alike excited for a few years now. However, this year he is showing his incredible talent and match winning ability consistently on the big stage. Having kicked 41 goals from 82 scoring shots in 2022, he has become one of the most dangerous players in the game. Unlike many other small forwards, Bolton has incredible marking ability for a player of his stature and is also very capable as a midfielder that can burst out of packs and break games open, averaging 18 disposals and four clearances per game in season 2022. He is seen as a future gun midfielder amongst Richmond insiders and is firming as a strong chance to be selected in the All-Australian team for the first time.
Shai Bolton.
Charlie Cameron 180cm, 76kg (Brisbane)
Considered by many as the best small forward in the game over the last few years, Cameron has again proved why in 2022. He has kicked 47 goals and just 18 behinds, while providing great forward pressure. With his breathtaking speed and goal sense, Cameron is in the top echelon of forwards in the game. The former Crow is producing the type of form that saw him kick 57 and 55 goals in 2019 and 2021 respectively. A mesmerising talent, he will be crucial to the Lions charging deep into finals. A very strong chance for AA selection in the forward pocket position.
Tyson Stengle 175cm, 73kg (Geelong)
One of the best recruits and surprise packets of the year, Stengle is undoubtedly in a purple patch of form. After being given a chance by the Cats in the off-season after being delisted by the Crows, Stengle has kicked 46 goals and provided a much-needed spark to the Geelong forward set-up. He holds impressive averages on 14.6 disposals and two goals a game, ranking elite for these categories. This is the type of form that nobody saw coming but has helped Geelong sit atop the AFL ladder at the end of the home and away season. Would be firmly in the frame for All-Australian selection after a remarkable 12 months in the small forward’s career.
Tom Papley 177cm, 80kg (Sydney)
A surprise selection in the All-Australian squad of 44, after missing the first six games through injury. However, Papley is still extremely capable of ripping the opposition apart, with his blistering speed and goal sense the main features of his game. He has kicked 26 goals from just 16 games this year, and averages nearly 15 disposals. He is ranked second for goal assists per game, fifth for total goal assists and 12th for score involvements per game. This shows the incredible offensive output he has for Sydney and the small forward is clearly a big reason why the Swans have secured the double chance in 2022. A real outsider for All-Australian selection, the Swans speedster was selected in 2021.
Medium-Sized Forwards
Isaac Heeney 185cm, 87kg
The 26-year-old has again been a key figure in the forward half for the Sydney Swans this year. A feature of Heeney’s game is his overhead marking and composure around goals. These strengths have been on full display in 2022. The star forward has kicked 46 goals, averages 17 disposals, five marks and 4.4 tackles per game. Heeney is dangerous as a forward but can also roll into the midfield and have an impact there also. He is in career-best form and is a definite chance of securing his first All-Australian selection tonight. A crucial part of the Swan’s team destined for finals footy.
Isaac Heeney.
Bayley Fritsch 188cm, 84kg (Melbourne)
Fritsch has once again been impressive, with his fantastic goal sense and marking ability leading the Dees to another final’s series. Although he is only 188cm, opposition teams struggle to stop him from taking big marks and he is very quick to react when the ball hits the ground. The Dees star has kicked an accurate 50.21 in season 2022. He averages just under 10 disposals per game but hurts you with every touch he gets. He has won a third consecutive leading goalkicking award for Melbourne and will be looking to add an All-Australian to his resume. The high-flyer will be very important to Melbourne’s chances of winning back-to-back premierships.
Midfielders
Clayton Oliver 189cm, 87kg (Melbourne)
The 24-year-old has now been among the top echelon of midfielders for numerous years. Oliver was crucial to Melbourne’s drought breaking premiership in 2021 and will no doubt be a key factor in their quest this year. Oliver possesses an incredible ability to win clearances, disposals, and contested possessions for his team. This may be his best season to date. He is averaging a ridiculous 33.5 disposals, nine clearances and five tackles a game in 2022. He is highly fancied to be a strong contender for the Brownlow Medal at the end of the year. His impact on the game is unmatched for a midfielder and in the competition this year. An All-Australian lock as a rover.
Andrew Brayshaw 185cm, 86kg (Fremantle)
The Fremantle star is having a remarkable season, considered a very good chance for the All-Australian team and perhaps even higher honours. He is averaging 29.1 disposals, 6.3 tackles and 4.1 clearances a game in a Dockers’ side that has qualified for its first final series since 2015. His performances are made even more astonishing, considering Brayshaw is just 22 years of age. A bullocking midfielder that can win a blend of contested and uncontested possession, Brayshaw is already coming into the prime of his career which appears it will last a long period of time. He is crucial to Fremantle’s chances of a flag tilt and who knows, might even have Charlie draped around his neck at the end of the year.
Patrick Cripps 195cm, 93kg (Carlton)
The 27-year-old Blues skipper started the season in unbelievable form, the sort that had been missing from his game for a number of years. He has consistently kicked goals, won clearances and plenty of disposals in big moments this year. Cripps possesses remarkable size and strength that would challenge a key defender, let alone other midfielders. One of the few players currently in the game to have “Fyfe like” traits and the potential to tear a game to shreds in the forward 50 or in the midfield. He averaged 28.1 disposals, 7.7 clearances and five tackles this year, along with an impressive 20 goals.
Touk Miller 178cm, 84kg (Gold Coast)
Miller has now firmly cemented himself as one of the greatest players in the club’s history. While Gold Coast’s form has wavered and dipped during their time in the competition, his has not. He is regarded as one of the hardest runners and best endurance athletes the AFL has seen for a long time. As the Suns have been more competitive than ever in 2022, Miller has taken his game to the next level. His averages are 28.5 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles per game. He also averages six score involvements and over 500 metres gained, making him one of the best score-source players in the game. A strong chance for All-Australian selection for back-to-back years.
Touk Miller.
Lachie Neale 178cm, 84kg (Brisbane)
The Brownlow Medallist is enjoying arguably a better year than his Brownlow year of 2020. He has become one of the most consistent players the game has seen since crossing from Fremantle a few years ago. He takes the cake as Brisbane’s number one midfielder and maybe their most important player, in a side stacked full of talent. Albeit longer games than in 2020, Neale has bettered his Brownlow season with more average disposals, marks, tackles, clearances, and fantasy points than he had in 2020. There is a wealth of extremely good midfielders amongst the AFL in 2022, but I would still consider him a lock for AA selection and don’t discount him from taking home a second Brownlow.
Jack Macrae 192cm, 88kg (Western Bulldogs)
Arguably the most prolific ball winner the game has seen for a long time, Macrae is once again showing why. The Western Bulldogs vice-captain boasts a remarkable level of consistency and is often among the Doggies’ best players. The superstar has averaged 30.5 disposals and 6.5 clearances per outing. Macrae is not a big goalkicker and as offensively damaging as some, however a wonderfully consistent player. Macrae will be looking for his fourth consecutive AA blazer, which would put him amongst the best midfielders in the past decade or more.
Christian Petracca 187cm, 98kg (Melbourne)
The big-bodied midfielder is clearly amongst the game’s premier players. He showed his ability on the big stage, with an excellent final’s series and Norm Smith Medal in the Dees’ drought-breaking flag last year. It would’ve been easy for Petracca to drop off, but he has done quite the opposite, averaging 28 disposals, five clearances, four marks and three tackles to become a complete player. The 26-year-old is coming into the prime of his career. He is one of the best offensively imposing midfielders in the AFL, he has kicked 19 goals so far this year to go with his 29 last year. Will be looking to collect his third All-Australian honour.
Marcus Bontempelli 193cm, 93kg (Western Bulldogs)
The four-time best and fairest and All-Australian winner has been one of the best and most exciting players to walk through the doors since being drafted in 2013. The former number four pick is enjoying another strong season of form. Although down on disposals this year, the star has always been an impact player. He is averaging just 23 disposals; however, he is still as dangerous to opposition midfielders and forwards as ever. He is averaging five marks, five clearances and five tackles, as well as having 22 goals to his name this season. He is aiming for a fifth All-Australian but may find it tough with other players impressing this season.
Sam Walsh 184cm, 84kg (Carlton)
The former number one pick has been remarkable since entering the league in 2019. Boasting unrivalled work rate and running capacity, Walsh has taken his game to the next level this season. The 22-year-old is averaging 32 disposals, five marks and four clearances in a new wing role. Walsh ranked third in the AFL for disposals per game, fifth in total disposals and fifth in total effective disposals. This displays the Carlton young gun’s amazing ball winning ability and his skill to distribute it to put teammates in better positions. He was a huge out in their heartbreaking last round loss to Collingwood. A genuine chance to receive back-to-back All-Australian selections.
Rory Laird 178cm, 78kg (Adelaide)
The Crows’ gun was known for being a very consistent player at half-back but has moved to a permanent midfield role this year, excelling. Laird has taken remarkably to the new role, with averages of 33 disposals, eight tackles and eight clearances per game this year. He has ranked amongst the very best in key indicators throughout 2022. He is ranked highly for handballs (second), tackles (second), disposals (fourth) and clearances (sixth) in the league. These impressive statistics certainly see him among the best midfielders if not players in the AFL. Laird’s season has been seriously impressive, and he may be in line for his third All-Australian honour and first since the 2018 season.
Rory Laird.
Josh Kelly 182cm, 84kg (GWS)
Throughout the last three or four years, Kelly has been one of the game’s most consistent players. Some would say he has flown under the radar, but he has proved his ability again in 2022. In what has been a tough season for the Giants, Kelly has stood tall. With a silky left boot, great agility and composure under pressure, the Giants’ on-baller can tear opposition midfields apart and has shown these strengths throughout the season. Kelly has averages 27 disposals, five tackles and four clearances this season. He has been remarkably consistent throughout his career and at 27 years of age, he still has some of his best footy ahead of him. It would be Kelly’s second All-Australian if selected, and first in five years.
Callum Mills 187cm, 87kg (Sydney)
The Swan’s co-captain is enjoying some career best form in 2022, leading his team into the top four and pushing for a debut selection in the All-Australian team. Mills has thrived on the opportunity to be captain, averaging impressive figures in disposals (24.9), marks (6.7), tackles (6.3) and clearances (3.9) per game this year. Mills will be a strong chance for Sydney’s Bob Skilton Medal as their club’s best and fairest, he is also a strong chance to claim his first All-Australian honour. Whenever the Swans need a lift, they turn to this man. He will be critical for their premiership chances when their finals campaign begins in coming weeks.
Angus Brayshaw 187cm, 92kg (Melbourne)
Speculation about where his future would be hasn’t stopped Brayshaw from producing one of his greatest seasons. After recently re-signing, the Dees star has gone from strength to strength. Some believe his season has been better than that of 2018, where he finished third in the Brownlow Medal. Brayshaw averages 26 disposals, seven marks and nearly 430 metres gained this year and has the versatility to play as an inside midfielder, winger or off a half-back flank. He went under the radar last year, despite being crucial to Melbourne’s drought breaking premiership, but has received acknowledgement for his talents in 2022. Will be aiming for his very first All-Australian blazer tonight.
Chad Warner 181cm, 82kg (Sydney)
Sydney’s young gun has taken his game to new heights this year. Having only played 36 games, Warner is always a vital part of Sydney’s midfield brigade. Few would’ve expected the Swans youngster to have as big of an impact as he has in 2022. He averages 23 disposals, four tackles and four clearances while providing enormous run and dash to the team. Warner has also kicked 17 goals, highlighting his ability to push forward and impact the game. He ranks in the top 10 amongst the AFL for inside 50s and goal assists, while also being highly positioned in the metres gained category. He is looking for his first All-Australian and no doubt there will be a few more to come.
Jack Crisp 190cm, 92kg (Collingwood)
The gun Collingwood runner is enjoying one of his career-best seasons, with his running power and raking left foot key features of his game. Crisp has remarkable consistency with his performance but has also played a staggering 185 consecutive games. Crisp’s career has taken an unbelievable turn since moving to Collingwood. He averages 24 disposals, four marks and nearly six tackles per game this year, impressive numbers for a winger. He has followed up last season, which saw him win Collingwood’s best and fairest. By producing another brilliant season, it could see him claim his first All-Australian honour.
Hugh McCluggage 185cm, 86kg (Brisbane)
The former number three draft pick has been a very good player throughout his whole career but has reached genuine stardom in previous years. McCluggage has recorded career best numbers in disposals (25), marks (5.5), tackles (4.8) and clearances (3.9) per game in 2022. Was considered a strong chance for selection in the All-Australian team last year but missed out. He now looks set to be rewarded for his strong form with a maiden golden blazer. He has been vitally important to the Lion’s finals runs in previous years and will continue to be as he heads into this year’s finals campaign.
Hugh McCluggage.
Josh Daicos 178cm, 78kg (Collingwood)
Part of a famous footballing family, Josh Daicos is now pathing his own career. The 23-year-old’s form has been one of many reasons as to why the Pies have surged up the ladder to finish inside the top four after finishing 17th last season. Daicos is certainly enjoying his best year of footy, with career highs in average disposals (21.2) and marks (four). The Pies’ young gun has certainly flown under the radar this year, with a lot of the focus being put on his younger brother Nick’s rise, but Josh has been equally as good. Although still young, this would be his first All-Australian honour if he is selected.
Connor Rozee 185cm, 80kg (Port Adelaide)
After bursting onto the scene to win the club goalkicking award in his first year, Rozee has steadily developed from then until this year. In season 2022, the Power young gun has proved why he was a top 10 draft pick and so highly touted as a junior. He is enjoying career highs in most statistical categories including disposals (23.2), marks (four), Inside 50s (4.1) and clearances (3.2) per game. He has also kicked a handy 18 goals this year, showing his potency when moving forward. He can impact the game anywhere on the ground, and will be looking to collect his first All-Australian honour.
Defenders
Key Defenders
Steven May 193cm, 101 kg (Melbourne)
The Dees’ key defender has taken his game to new heights in 2022. It is very rare to find a tall defender that can lock down opponents, intercept mark and get involved on the offensive rebound. May is averaging an impressive 19 disposals, as well as six spoils and three intercept marks per game. He is a big reason as to why Melbourne was able to win the premiership last year and are pushing for another chance at it this year. He will be looking for back-to-back All-Australian honours and looks set to take his place in the decorated 22.
Jacob Weitering 196cm, 101kg (Carlton)
The superstar defender and former number one pick has been a picture of consistency and reliability for the Blues’ defence for several years now. Like May, he can shut down an opponent and make life tough for them, while intercept marking and contributing to scores going the other way. Weitering is averaging 12 disposals, a whopping six spoils and two intercept marks per game in 2022 and looks a chance to slot into the backline in the AA team. He is still only 24 years of age; Blues’ fans will hopefully experience Weitering’s imperious talent for the next 10 years. Looking for his first All-Australian honour.
Mark Blicavs 198cm, 101kg (Geelong)
Blicavs has enjoyed arguably the best season of his career to date. Having already won two club best and fairest accolades as part of one of the most consistent teams over the last decade, he is looking to add his first All-Australian honour. The Cats’ big man possesses the versatility that coaches dream about. With his ability to play as a key defender, in the ruck or forward line, he is a vital asset to Chris Scott’s side. Playing predominantly down back this year, Blicavs has averaged 17.7 disposals, 4.3 marks, 4.9 tackles, as well as 3.3 clearances and 14.6 hit outs. His statistics read well and Blicavs has a strong ability to contribute to all parts of the game. At the age of 31, he is still playing some fantastic footy and will be hoping the Cats can finish the season holding the premiership cup aloft.
Sam Taylor 196cm, 95kg (GWS)
The Giants’ number one defender has regularly taken the opposition’s best forward and got the job done in 2022. At 23 years of age, Taylor is a very talented player, that will be a key pillar of the GWS defence for many years to come. As the number one intercept player in the game, he not only shuts down an opponent, but also contributes significantly to the Giants’ ability to kick a winning score. With averages of 15.2 disposals, 8.1 spoils and 3.2 intercept marks per game, Taylor looks a good chance for his first All-Australian blazer and will no doubt, be selected on many more occasions.
Sam Taylor.
Brennan Cox 195cm, 100kg (Fremantle)
The 24-year-old was a surprise selection for the All-Australian squad, but his performances this year speak for themselves. Cox has impressive averages of 16.2 disposals, 6.1 spoils, 6.3 marks and 2.4 intercept marks per game. He is a major part of one of the strongest defence set-ups in the AFL and has helped the Dockers’ resurgence towards their first final campaign since 2015. He will be an outside chance for All-Australian selection, but has been rewarded for an outstanding season, being named in the squad.
Callum Wilkie 191cm, 87kg (St Kilda)
Wilkie has been a remarkably consistent performer since being picked up by St Kilda as a mature-age recruit ahead of the 2019 season. As an undersized-key defender, the Saints star regularly beats the biggest names in the game in one-on-one battles and can play on smaller opponents due to his agility. He averages 16.4 disposals, 7.4 marks and 3.3 rebound 50s per game. He is looking for his first All-Australian selection, and it would cap off a meteoric rise in the Saints’ defender’s career.
Tom Barrass 197cm, 96kg (West Coast)
Barrass has been a shining light for the West Coast Eagles, in what has been a tough year.
Already a premiership defender and well-renowned player, the Eagles star is coming into his prime at the age of 26. He has continually been under the pump, along with his other defenders, but has stood tall. He averages an impressive 15.5 disposals, 7.5 spoils and 3.8 intercept marks to sit amongst the best intercept players of 2022. Was seen as a surprise selection, but his form proves why he has been recognised in the All-Australian squad. It will be his maiden selection if he is selected in the final team.
Small and Medium Defenders
Daniel Rioli 179cm, 77kg (Richmond)
Enjoying a career best season since moving down back mid-way through last year, Rioli has been a revelation for the Tigers’ back six and looks set to be a lock in this position for many years to come. He is averaging a spectacular 21 disposals, five marks and nearly 400 metres gained this season. Rioli’s blistering speed and clean ball use is something Richmond has been crying out for and he has provided it in spades. He will only get better with more experience in the half-back role. A smokey among many for All-Australian honours, the former forward will be looking for his first selection.
James Sicily 187cm, 87kg (Hawthorn)
The Hawks vice-captain has made a brilliant return in 2022, after recovering from an ACL injury that kept him out for most of last season. Sicily is a very versatile player, and often plays on bigger opponents and can lock them down, while intercepting. He is averaging 24 disposals, seven spoils and three intercept marks to be one of the most decorated intercept players in the AFL. He is crucial to the Hawks’ chances of becoming a finals side in the next few years. He will be looking for his first selection in the All-Australian team.
James Sicily (left).
Tom Stewart 190cm, 88kg (Geelong)
He got his opportunity as a mature-aged recruit back in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since. Despite missing five games this season, Stewart has risen to become one of the most damaging defenders over the past few years. The gun defender averages 24.2 disposals, 7.6 marks and 507 metres gained per game in 2022. He can play on tall and small opponents, reducing their impact, while also helping on offensive chains. Stewart is already a three-time All-Australian and has potentially had a better year than ever before.
Adam Saad 178cm, 77kg
The dashing defender has achieved career best form since moving to Carlton at the start of last year. With his speed and quality skills, he has become one of the premier half-backs in the competition. Saad boasts averages of 21.9 disposals (career-high), 4.8 marks (career-high) and 404 metres gained per game in 2022. He was a major reason why the Blues got so close to finals for the first time in nearly 10 years. At 28 years of age, Saad is playing some of his best footy and will look to continue this form into the coming season. He would achieve a maiden All-Australian if selected in the final team.
Jack Sinclair 181cm, 82kg
Sinclair has been a solid player for the Saints for several years but has significantly boosted his output in season 2022. He is averaging career highs in disposals (27.7), marks (5.8) and is also providing plenty of drive from the back half, averaging 514 metres gained. Before this season, the Saints speedster had a career-high average of 21 disposals a game and has considerably improved on that this year. He appears to be a very strong chance to claim his first All-Australian honour in a squad jam-packed with superstars.
Jack Sinclair.
CONNOR'S ALL-AUSTRALIAN FINAL 22
FB: James Sicily Steven May Jack Sinclair
HB: Tom Stewart Mark Blicavs Adam Saad
C: Hugh McCluggage Clayton Oliver Angus Brayshaw
HF: Shai Bolton Jeremy Cameron Tom Lynch
FF: Tyson Stengle Charlie Curnow Charlie Cameron
Fol: Max Gawn Lachie Neale Andrew Brayshaw
Int: Isaac Heeney, Rory Laird, Callum Mills, Tom Hawkins
All players selected in the 44-man squad should be congratulated for their incredible seasons. To find out the final 22, along with the Rising Star Award and other accolades, visit AFL.com to tune into the AFLPA MVP Awards as they are announced tonight.
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