The All Australian team is the Pinnicle of the game at the highest level.
Sometimes it is easier to throw another midfielder in another spot. Sometimes it is position-specific. Midfielders do the bulk of the work and their level of performance often dictates the team. All Premiership teams have extremely good midfields. Then there are the goal kickers who produce the scores and, of course, the defence that is trying to stop them. It is a tough job putting the top 50 players into a team of 23, but here goes.
Defenders
FB: Callum Wilkie, Harris Andrews, Jeremy Howe
HB: Max Holmes, Alex Pearce, Nick Blakey
Callum Wilkie is a star, and his output has only improved from last year's stellar year. Not bad for a player overlooked in four drafts. Nearly never loses a one-on-one battle.
Harris Andrews is currently the best defensive intercept marker in the game for another year. The Lions chief carries the backline with effort and leadership as very few have done from defence in the modern game.
Jeremy Howe has overcome a mountain of aging injuries to be back to his jumping best. His aerial work and timing are worth paying money to see live.
Max Holmes has been shifted to defence to provide great run and dash to help Geelong's forward thrust. Hard to be moved out of midfield and produce arguably his best performance in the prime of your career. Inspired more by Chris Scott.
Alex Pearce is much like Harris Andrews in being a captain and leader from the back half. Super tough and marks anything that comes his way. Fremantle as a whole is stronger and improved across the board and should be looking forward to going very deep into September.
Nick Blakey, aka the Lizard, is one of the most important processes for the Swans' game. He has been very hard to hold back, and tagging has worked very occasionally. His defensive game has improved this year and can shut down opposition players, but it is his offensive run which makes him such a top-line player in the league.
