Richmond defender Alex Rance has been named as the captain of the 2017 All-Australian side as it was announced on Wednesday night in Melbourne.

Rance leads the side with Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy, who was named as the vice-captain.

The Richmond defender led a backline with six players from six different clubs, as Michael Hibberd, Rory Laird and Sam Docherty all earned their first selections.

Port Adelaide star Paddy Ryder won the battle of the ruckman, beating out Carlton's Matthew Kreuzer and Adelaide's Sam Jacobs who were both named in the extended squad.

Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield was named in his fifth All-Australian side, and was selected on the ball with Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell.

Coleman Medallist Lance Franklin led a strong forward line, and was the third key tall alongside Kennedy and Essendon's Joe Daniher.

After having eight players in the extended squad, Adelaide had three players named, with Rory Laird, Eddie Betts and Matt Crouch all getting the nod.

2017 All-Australian team

FB: Michael Hibberd (Melbourne), Alex Rance (captain, Richmond), Jeremy McGovern (West Coast)

HB: Rory Laird (Adelaide), Michael Hurley (Essendon), Sam Docherty (Carlton)

C: Josh Kelly (GWS), Dustin Martin (Richmond), Zach Merrett (Essendon)

HF: Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide), Lance Franklin (Sydney), Dayne Zorko (Brisbane)

FF: Eddie Betts (Adelaide), Josh Kennedy (vice captain, West Coast), Joe Daniher (Essendon)

Foll: Paddy Ryder (Port Adelaide), Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong), Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn)

Interchange: Matt Crouch (Adelaide), Elliot Yeo (West Coast), Dylan Shiel (GWS), Joel Selwood (Geelong)

See also