BEST OF THE BEST

TONIGHT we crown some of the best players in the competition with the All Australian team set to be announced.

A quick look at the 40-man squad is proof that the competition is bursting with talent.

The fact that, unbelievably, Melbourne’s midfield bull Clayton Oliver and Geelong’s defensive gem Zach Tuohy couldn’t even make that squad is proof of that.

I don’t envy the task of selectors having to pick this team. It’s been a hard task putting together my 22 of season 2017.

BACKS: Alex Rance is the jewel in the defensive crown. He has had another outstanding year and is complemented by Essendon star Michael Hurley.

Jeremy McGovern is the intercept mark king.

Sam Docherty, Michael Hibberd and Rory Laird bring the rebound.

Hibberd averages 556m gained per game, while Docherty is not far behind with 514m. Elliot Yeo comes off the bench to help.

MIDFIELD: Open the garage to this midfield and all you will see is Rolls-Royces. Dustin Martin and Patrick Dangerfield pick themselves. Josh Kelly and Tom Mitchell have had exceptional seasons, while Zach Merrett may be a shock to some but he wins plenty of the ball and has been huge for Essendon this year.

Seeing Mitchell extract the ball for Martin and Dangerfield would be a joy to watch. Joel Selwood, Matt Crouch and Dylan Shiel provide rotation options.

RUCK: Patty Ryder’s season in the ruck has been stunning. His ruck work first rate. He gets the nod ahead of Adelaide’s Sam Jacobs, who is the bridesmaid for another year.

FORWARDS: Good luck stop- ping a forward line with Lance Franklin, Josh Kennedy and Joe Daniher as tall options. Then you throw in Eddie Betts at their feet. Goals galore. Dayne Zorko is Brisbane’s standout player, while Robbie Gray is just an elite player who can rotate through the middle of the ground. Daniher’s rucking ability sees him give Ryder a hand.