Picking Goldstein or Ryder would have been a token nod at best given it's a 2 horse race for the ruck position between Sandi and Jacobs. Both had fantastic years but were zero chance of making the team.
B A Rance E Mackenzie C Hooker
HB N Malceski H Taylor S Burgoyne
C N Fyfe T Rockliff J Lewis
HF B Harvey L Franklin R Gray
F L Parker J Roughead D Martin
R S Jacobs J Selwood (Captain) G Ablett
Inter D Heppell J Gunston M Priddis L Breust
Libba lead the league in tackles this year and clearances for the 2nd year in a row (not including finals, obviously). He had the 6th highest tackle count of all time in a season.
Thoroughly deserves it. Wont make the side though.
Only person that didn't make the squad that i figured would make it is Pearce Hanley from the Lions.
He has had a cracker year, easily one of the top 3 half-back flankers. I even had him as a smokey for the 22.
Half way through the season, Burgoyne was a lock for the 22, let alone the 40. He's declined a little bit since then but he's had an absolutely fantastic year regardless of how you look at it.
Only person that didn't make the squad that i figured would make it is Pearce Hanley from the Lions.
He has had a cracker year, easily one of the top 3 half-back flankers. I even had him as a smokey for the 22.
He is NOT a back flanker. He is part of Brisbane's first string midfield. Stop looking at fantasy positions and watch some football. That aside, his start was shocking and his form fluctuated too much to make it in.
Only person that didn't make the squad that i figured would make it is Pearce Hanley from the Lions.
He has had a cracker year, easily one of the top 3 half-back flankers. I even had him as a smokey for the 22.
Burgoyne I think has been super consistent even when he dropped off a bit, he would still be useful doing a role for the team. I definitely would be having him over Brodie Smith for that HBF spot anyday.
Half way through the season, Burgoyne was a lock for the 22, let alone the 40. He's declined a little bit since then but he's had an absolutely fantastic year regardless of how you look at it.
I've watched pretty much every Hawthorn game this year and physically attended 5 matches. He started like a house on fire and got ordinary real quick. Selection rewards players having excellent seasons, not players who do their bit part but not much else.
Not sure why anyone is surprised Nathan Jones didn't make the squad. Brilliant start to the year, but his form tailed off hugely after about the halfway point of the season.
Libba lead the league in tackles this year and clearances for the 2nd year in a row (not including finals, obviously). He had the 6th highest tackle count of all time in a season.
Thoroughly deserves it. Wont make the side though.
It is a tad surprising given I think his second half to the season pales dramatically when compared to the first half, usually players with strong second halves are rewarded.