CAN GAZ MAKE HISTORY?

Ablett among six Cats in All-Australian squad

GEELONG champion Gary Ablett is expected to set an AFL modern-day record for the most AllAustralian jumpers after inclusion in the 40-man squad yesterday. Ablett is in line for his ninth All-Australian selection when the final 22 players are announced tomorrow night. The Cats are well represented with Mark Blicavs, Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins, Tim Kelly and Tom Stewart all named in the squad. Ablett, his father Gary, Sydney’s Lance Franklin, Adelaide’s Mark Ricciuto and St Kilda great Robert Harvey are the only players with eight All Australian jumpers in the modern era. They sit above the pack since the All-Australian team wasn’t chosen from performances at the nowdefunct national carnivals held from 1953 to 1988. From the carnival era, when it was possible to earn mid-season and post-season All-Australian selection, eight players have eight or more jumpers — Craig Bradley, Terry Daniher, Gerard Healy, Stephen Kernahan, Simon Madden, John Platten, Paul Roos and Greg Williams. Dangerfield, a $2.50 chance for a second Brownlow Medal, was named in the squad on the back of another high-class season.

He averaged 27 touches and has kicked 25 goals this season.

Out-of-contract midfield star Kelly was not far behind, averaging 25 touches and kicking 18 goals this season.

Defenders Mark Blicavs and Tom Stewart will also both be close to making the final 22player squad, playing a key role in the competition’s stingiest defence.

Blicavs showed his versatility for the table-topping Cats, spending time in the ruck towards the end of the season.

Hawkins, who started the season in strong form, kicked 52 goals in 2019.

This year, West Coast has a league-high seven representatives with Jack Darling, Andrew Gaff, Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard, Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo the candidates.

Gold Coast, St Kilda and Essendon are the only clubs without a player nominated. A total of 20 players have been nominated for a potential first All Australian jumper.

And nine players from last year’s ceremonial team — Patrick Cripps, Brodie Grundy, Dangerfield, Stewart, Max Gawn, Dustin Martin, Gaff, Hurn and McGovern — have been nominated again.