A total of eight names have changed since our last rolling All-Australian side was named at the conclusion of Round 12. Returns to their customary best have seen some superstars stake their claim in the side, while form and injury issues for others have seen them make way.
Two rucks have again been named, such is the quality at the position this season, while the bulk of the changes affect the midfield and interchange positions.
VIEW: ROLLING AA SIDE AFTER ROUND 12
2Midfielders
The centre line has seen one change, with the form of arguably the game's best player, Dogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli, seeing him usurp Magpies star Nick Daicos for the starting position. Daicos moves to the bench, while Hugh McCluggage and Max Holmes hold their wing positions.
Ed Richards moves from the bench to join Noah Anderson as the starting followers, with Bailey Smith making way for the Dogs star, following a lacklustre month that has included two subpar performances against fellow contenders, and unavailability issues. Another consistently impactful season from Demons skipper Max Gawn sees him handed first crack at rucking duties.
Jordan Dawson's versatility has seen him hold his place at half-forward, presenting as another midfield option, while Andrew Brayshaw and Zak Butters join Daicos on the bench, replacing George Hewett and Zach Merrett, following dips in form. Butters has been named as the side's sub, replacing veteran midfield-forward hybrid Patrick Dangerfield.
Brodie Grundy, the competition's highest-rated player since the Round 12 iteration of our side was named, has replaced Tristan Xerri as the back-up ruck option. The rich vein of form the mobile Grundy is in is reminiscent of his best and fairest-winning years at Collingwood, and his selection is due recognition of his recent production.
Xerri is somewhat stiff to be replaced, while Tom Green, Connor Rozee, Isaac Heeney, Luke Jackson, Bailey Smith, Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Liberatore were also in contention.
