’FIELD OF DREAMS
Star Cat adds to honour roll, as new faces trump Tiger defenders
REIGNING premier and flag favourite Richmond could manage only one representative in this year’s All-Australian side — its lowest tally since 2014 — as Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield added to his already bulging CV when named captain of the team for the first time.
Dual premiership defenders Dylan Grimes and Nick Vlastuin were overlooked in favour of others, while Dustin Martin was the only Tiger selected in the 2020 side.
It was the first time Richmond has not had a defender in the AFL’s team of the year in six years. The selectors chose five All-Australian debutants for the six starting backline roles, and another first-time player named on the bench.
In many ways, this changing of the guard was in keeping with the new-look, jam-packed awards ceremony on Thursday night, with 12 of the 22 players named being new faces.
Only seven players — Harris Andrews, Marcus Bontempelli, Dangerfield, Max Gawn, Tom Hawkins, Jack Macrae, Lachie Neale — retained their spots from last year, while Martin was back in the team again after being a controversial omission in 2019.
Geelong, Port Adelaide, West Coast and Western Bulldogs all had three representatives. Eleven clubs were represented.
Dangerfield, 30, ticked off another first when he was named skipper of the team, as he prepares to chase that elusive premiership medallion next month.
It’s yet another huge honour for the star Cat, who has never been full-time captain of an AFL side, but is acknowledged as one of the game’s most inspiring leaders.
Port Adelaide’s ex-captain Travis Boak was named Dangerfield’s vice-captain.
It was the eighth time Dangerfield has won an All-Australian blazer, including six successive selections, bringing him level with his teammate Gary Ablett Jr.
It also draws him closer to record holders Craig Bradley (Carlton), Stephen Kernahan (Carlton) and John Platten (Hawthorn), who were selected in 10 All-Australian teams.
Most of the pre-awards conjecture centred on the battle in defence. Andrews retained his 2019 full-back role, while Brad Sheppard (West Coast), Luke Ryan (Fremantle), Nick Haynes (Greater Western Sydney), Darcy Moore (Collingwood) and Darcy Byrne-Jones (Port Adelaide) were chosen for the first time.
Bulldog Caleb Daniel was also rewarded for his fine season with a spot on the bench.
Mo ore’ s team mate Brayden Maynard was very stiff to miss out after an outstanding season for the Magpies, while Carl ton’ s Jacob Weitering and Essen don’ s best-andfairest Jordan Ridley were also in contention. Last year’s All-Australian captain Nat Fyfe was overlooked, while a four-game injury stint on the sidelines cost Scott Pendlebury his spot.
Melbourne’s “Bluey” Truscott medallist Christian Petracca was acknowledged for his breakout season by winning a starting midfield position alongside Brownlow Medal favourite Lachie Neale, Boak and ruckman Nic Naitanui.
Gawn was named on the bench as a backup to Naitanui.
Power forwards Charlie Dixon and Tom Hawkins were chosen as the main spearheads, with mid-forwards Dangerfield, Martin and Marcus Bontempelli providing a mouth-watering attack.
The forward line was rounded out with Eagle Liam Ryan in the forward pocket, who beat St Kilda’s Dan Butler and Sydney’s Tom Papley for the small forward spot, despite marginally kicking fewer goals than the pair.
Cam Guthrie starts on the wing in his first All-Australian side, while fellow debutants Jack Steele (St Kilda) and Taylor Adams (Collingwood) won slots on the bench.
West Coast’s Andrew Gaff, Geelong’s Sam Menegola and Mark Blicavs, and Brisbane’s Hugh McCluggage were unlucky to miss out, despite having strong sea
sons.