Gaff deserves All-Aussie spot: Coach

WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson says Andrew Gaff should be a “no-brainer” for All-Australian selection despite his brain fade against Fremantle.

Gaff has been selected in the extended 40-man All-Aus- tralian squad, with the final 22 to be named today.

The 26-year-old was enjoying a career-best season before he punched Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw in round 20.

Brayshaw’s jaw was broken and Gaff copped an eight-week ban, ruling him out of this year’s finals.

But Simpson said the midfielder’s performances before then should be more than enough to earn him a second All-Australian jumper.

Gaff, who’s in Melbourne with his ill father, has averaged a career-high 30.7 possessions per game this season to go with his 12 goals.

“I just think he just deserves it, regardless of what he’s been through,” Simpson said.

“His form up until three weeks ago was in the top five of the comp so I would have thought he was a no-brainer.”

Eagles captain Shannon Hurn is a chance to be named the All-Australian skipper, while Jeremy McGovern and Elliot Yeo were the other Eagles named in the extended squad.

West Coast finished in second spot with last week’s win over Brisbane and they’ll host Collingwood in a qualifying final at Optus Stadium on Saturday week.