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AFL - 2015 Mid Season All Australian Teams
With the 2015 AFL season at its half way point we at SportsBanter have put our minds together and selected what we believe the All Australian Team should be at this point in the season. In what can be described as one of the most even seasons in AFL history this has been no easy task with many worthy candidates just missing out on selection. Feel free to start up some banter in the comments section regarding our selections.
This guy came from nowhere really but his performances this year have certainly won him a spot in our mid-season All-Australian team. He has held ‘buddy’ goalless as well as beating many other quality key-forwards. Manages to find a fair bit of the ball as well.
After breaking out into one of the competitions best defenders last season Alex Rance has again taken his game to the next level. Rance has held the Tigers defence together with impeccable consistency throughout the first half of the season as he continuously beats the competitions best forwards. He is also averaging 15.9 disposals a match which in turn has seen become him extremely damaging on the counter and further solidify his spot at full back in our mid year All Australian Team.
Jeremy McGovern (West Coast)
It could be argued we have too many talls but this man’s form has been too good to ignore. Going into round 11 he was second in the competition for intercept posessions and marks. He has carried the eagles backline in the absence of Mckenzie and Brown playing tall and small in an unfamiliar role.
Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs)
Although he may be in the twilight of his career at 33 years old newly promoted Bulldogs captain Robert Murphy has proved that age is only a number. Under the guidance of new coach Luke Beveridge we have seen Robert Murphy transform into one of the competitions most damaging players as he constantly tears opposition sides to shreds off the half back line. With an average of 21.9 disposals per game and a rank of 9th in rebound 50s this season Murphy has been the catalyst to the Bulldogs revival this season and will without a doubt play a key role in the dogs push for September action.
Michael Hurley (Essendon)
Hurley appears to have finally settled down in the defence and is in fine form. He has learnt off last years All Australian Cale Hooker and has even bettered him. He has regularly taken the number one key forward and on many occasions has beaten them.
One of the AFL’s most consistent players over the past decade Sam Mitchell has shown his excellent skills and game sense with a move to the half back line. With an average of 29.1 disposals per game and a rank of 4th in the competition for effective disposals per game Mitchell has turned into one of the AFL’s most damaging players which in turn has seen him claim a position on the half back line in our mid year All Australian Team.
After playing a key role in the Hawks back to back premierships in 2013 and 2014 Isaac Smith has taken his game to a new level this year. With elite skills and an excellent running capacity Smith has turned into one of the competitions most dangerous players as he consistently sets up the Hawks attacking movements whilst also getting on the scoreboard himself. With an average of 26.3 disposals per game and a rank of 4th in inside 50s per game Smith has announced himself as on of the competitions top level players and an exciting prospect for years to come.
What needs to be said about this man? He is first for average disposals, contested possessions, clearances, 5th for contested marks and has even kicked 13 goals. A certainty for the Brownlow medal and probably now the best player in the competition.
Daniel Hannebery (Sydney)
Hannebery always had the ability to break open the game but not the ability to break a tag. Beating the tag and the improvement of others around him has meant he has been much more consistent this year. Absolute jet.
Jamie Elliott (Collingwood)
“Billy Elliot” as he is called by Hamish McLachlan has taken his game to the next level this season. He has kicked 25 goals, is very good in a 1 on 1 and is capable of some freakish marks and goals.
Despite the fact he has not had his best season thus far a few dominant performances in the weeks leading up to the bye have seen Buddy jump up the Coleman Medal count and claim a position at Centre Half Forward in our mid season All Australian Team. With 34 goals to his name and an average of 16.6 disposals per game Buddy has been brilliant form this year and has emerged as Kennedy’s only real threat for the Coleman Medal.
Luke Dahlhaus (Western Bulldogs)
Another Bulldog who has taken his game to the next level this year under new coach Luke Beveridge, Dahlhaus has been one of the main catalysts to the Dogs scintillating form in the early parts of the season. With an average of 24.5 disposals and 6.2 tackles per game Dahlhaus has taken his game to the next level in 2015 which in turn has seen him announce himself as one of the competitions most dangerous half forward flankers and claim a position in our mid season All Australian Team.
Without a doubt the competitions best small forward in the first half of the season Betts has been in scintillating form with an incredible 33 goals from 11 matches. Coming in at 4th in the Coleman Medal race Betts has produced pieces of brilliances from all areas of the forward 50 as he constantly thrills fans around the nation. With new coach Phil Walsh at the helm we have also seen Eddie add another dimension to his game through the midfield as he gives the Crows a spark out of the middle of the ground.
Josh Kennedy (West Coast)
West Coast’s rise to the top and Kennedy hitting his prime has lead to the bearded key-forward kicking 46 goals. The fact people question whether West Coast won a trade involving one of the best players to play the game going the other way says it all.
This kid is a freak. He is just 22-years-old and has already been selected in an All-Australian team. His 35 goals so far this season have him well on the way to another All-Australian selection.
Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne)
One of the competitions most consistent ruckman of the past 5 years Todd Goldstein has finally announced himself as the competitions best with an outstanding start to the 2015 season. Ranked first in the competition for hit outs with an average of 43.6 per game Goldstein has dominated opposition ruckman week in week out as he always provides his midfielders with silver service to set the roos alight. His versatility is also to be admired as he constantly presents himself as an option around the ground and takes some excellent contested marks.
Without a doubt the most improved player in the competition this season Dylan Shiel has led the Giants excellent start to the 2015 season. With an average of 27.6 disposals per game and a rank of 7th in total disposals Shiel has announced himself as one of the competitions elite midfielders and hence earned himself a spot on the bench in our mid year All Australian Team.
Matt Priddis (West Coast)
I feel like this guy is still underrated. People say he didn’t deserve the Brownlow and wasn’t even All-Australian last year. He isn’t the flashiest player but he is the best at all the dirty work and is probably the most consistent. Would love to play alongside him.
Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide)
With his contract looming as one of the biggest stories of the 2015 season Dangerfield has seemed to put off field distractions as he putting together his best season yet. With a somewhat slow start Dangerfield has truly come of age in the past 5-6 weeks as he is consistently winning the contested ball and setting up the Crows attacking movements. With and average of 26.2 disposals per game and rank of 4th in contested possessions per game Dangerfield has been an absolute beast in the first half of this season that will continue to dominate the competition for years to come.
David Armitage (St Kilda)
Having always been a good player Armitage has taken his game to the next level this year as his name is starting to get mixed in with the best players going around. With an average of 30.8 disposals per game and a rank of 2nd in effective disposals Armitage epitomizes courage and determination and has almost single handily lead his Saints to a handful of hard fought victories in the first half of the season .
Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide)
Having another cracking season is this classy midfielder/small forward. In a disappointing season for Port Adelaide he has been one of the few to play as well if not better than last season.
Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
It wouldn’t be an All-Australian team without the man some call ‘dependlebury’. Having been selected in the last 5 years he is as silky and classy as ever. Highest disposal efficiency of all the major ball-winners to go with his leadership and composure. Beautiful to watch.
Full Backs: Mcdonald (MEL), Rance (RIC), McGovern (WCE)
Half Backs: Murphy (WBD), Hurley (ESS), Mitchell (HAW)
Centres: Smith (HAW), Fyfe (FRE), Hannebery (SYD)
Half Forwards: Elliot (COL), Franklin (SYD), Dahlhaus (WBD)
Full Forwards: Betts (ADE), Kennedy (WCE), Cameron (GWS)
Followers: Goldstein (NM), Shiel (GWS), Priddis (WCE)
Interchange: Dangerfield (ADE), Armitage(STK), Gray (PA), Pendlebury (COL)
Enright has had a great start to season 2015, playing every game in his 14th season so far. Enright has one of few remaining Geelong players from the ‘Golden Era’ and adds an immense amount of experience to the Geelong back half. Averaging 22 disposals, seven marks and three tackles per game, he is showing no signs of slowing down.
By far the best defender so far this season, Alex Rance has improved even more following his fantastic year in 2014. Despite a lot of media attention throughout most of the season, Rance has still been able to shut down the competition’s best forwards in a way that is great to watch.
A man that has definitely made his mark in the early part of the season, McDonald has been compared to defenders such as Rance and received much praise from the AFL world. Following some big games against the Suns and Sydney, McDonald is certainly proving some headaches against opposition forwards and coaches across the league. McDonald is first in the AFL for one percenters and is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
Shaw has been an instrumental part in the rapid rise of GWS as a football club. Racking up an average 23 disposals each game, the run and good decision making Shaw brings to the Giants’ back line in very important. He is back to his very best and there is no stopping the veteran.
Michael Hurley (Essendon)
Alongside Rance, Hurley has also been considered among the competitions elite when it come to defenders. Essendon’s move to bring Hurley from forward to back is highly regarded as one of the best transitions in modern football. When Hurley is on fire, good luck to the forward he is marking.
Sam Mitchell continues to prove why he has been one of the best players over the past decade. So proficient on both sides of his body and averages almost 30 disposals per game coming off halfback. No surprise he is part of this team.
Hannebery is one of the favourites for the Brownlow Medal this year (behind Fyfe) and he has proven why. He is back to his best following a quiet injury-riddled season last year. He averages 31 touches and five tackles per game, racking up 35+ on five occasions this season.
Matt Priddis (West Coast)
Last year’s Brownlow Medalist has not taken his foot off the gas following his great 2014 season. Currently leading the competition for disposals, he is definitely one of many players helping West Coast and their premiership push.
David Armitage (St Kilda)
Armitage has been a strong midfielder for the saints this year. Averaging 31 disposals this year, David managed 30+ disposals five consecutive weeks. This is quite a feat!! This along with an average of five marks and six tackles, deserving of a spot on this team.
Jamie Elliot (Collingwood)
After a great year in season 2014, Elliot has continued his great form into the first half of 2015. Wearing his new #5 jersey, he has taken screamers, racked up disposals, and kicked ripping goals in what has been a dominant performance so far this year.
Last year’s Coleman Medalist has again proved his worth to the Swans. His ability to work up the ground then push forward and kick goals cannot be compared to any other player in the AFL. ‘Buddy’ could very well earn two consecutive Coleman Medals if he continues this form for the rest of the season.
The GWS spearhead is getting better and better as his career progresses. He, alongside Cam McCarthy, have helped the Giants remain in the top 8 for most of the season thus far. This young gun has made his way into this team and proved he is among the AFL’s best forwards.
Eddie…….say no more!! He is currently the best small forward in the competition, averaging three goals and four marks per game. He can kick goals from almost anywhere in the forward 50 and continues to amaze the AFL world.
Josh Kennedy (West Coast)
Currently leading the race for the Coleman, Kennedy is probably the best forward in the competition as is stands and is great overhead and in front of goal. Averaging almost a massive four goals per game and seven marks to make him the perfect inclusion to this star-studded lineup.
Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)
It still amazes us all that Wingard is only 21 years of age. From the moment he stood foot on an AFL ground this young star has proven his ability. Since then, he has continued to improve and is arguably Port’s best forward at the moment.
Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne)
Goldstein has definitely been the supreme ruckman so far this season. Averaging a huge 44 hit-outs each game this year, he is playing a massive role in North’s current form. There is no better ruckman to put in this team.
The best player in the competition, Fyfe is almost a certainty to win the Brownlow Medal this year. He is the best player in the best team so far this year and is elite in every facet of his game. Averaging almost 32 touches and five marks per match, Fyfe is on the verge of becoming a future legend of the AFL.
Andrew Gaff (West Coast):
Gaff might possibly be one of the most underrated players in the AFL. Gaff has been among the best ‘ball-magnets’ of the competition this year racking up almost 30 touches per game and 5 marks. This has definitely been his best season so far in his career.
This is probably the most controversial position in this entire team. This position was a tussle between Mumford and Sandilands with ‘Mummy’ eventually taking the cake. At particular points in this season so far, many might say Mumford was the best ruck in the competition. However, with injury ruling him out of the season, his hope for the official All-Australian team is over. But he has been good enough in the first half of the season to make his way into this ‘Mid-Year’ team.
Unlucky not to start on the field, Shiel has been arguably the best Midfielder in the prominent GWS line-up. Getting 25+ disposals ten times so far this season, Shiel has taken his game to the next level….the elite level. He is a smart footballer that will constantly improve as his career goes on.
Bruce has made a huge impact so far this season. With a lot of attention on #1 Draft pick Paddy McCartin taking over from Nick Riewoldt, Josh Bruce had developed under the radar in many eyes. His strength and goal kicking ability help in his push for the Saints #1 key forward.
Jarrad McVeigh continues to play amazing football whilst gaining very little media attention. His work off halfback is second to none while still having the ability to play in the midfield and push up forward to kick goals. He is a great captain for the Swans and brings a great amount of experience.
Full Backs: Enright (GEE), Rance (RIC), McDonald (MEL)
Half Backs: Shaw (GWS), Hurley (ESS), Mitchell (HAW)
Centre: Hannebery (SYD), Priddis (WCE), Armitage (STK)
Half Forwards: Elliot (COL), Franklin (SYD), Cameron (GWS)
Full Forwards: Betts (ADE), Kennedy (WCE), Wingard (PA)
Followers: Goldstein (NM), Fyfe (FRE), Gaff (WCE)
Interchange: Mumford (GWS), Shiel (GWS), Bruce (STK), McVeigh (SYD)
The backline of this year’s All-Australian team is shaping up to be the most contentious one in the last few years. Including both Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker is a controversial decision, but if you look closer, there is merit to the argument. Hurley is having his best year in the league as a key defender and Cale Hooker has kept his form at the same level as he did when winning All-Australian honours last year. I feel like it has been a strong year for key defenders so I went with four in the backline, with Alex Rance and Jeremy McGovern rounding out the quartet. Robert Murphy and Heath Shaw have provided outstanding run off of the half back flank and are no-brainers.
Matt Priddis heads up the midfield line as he has continued his Brownlow medal winning form from last season. Andrew Gaff and Dan Hannebery have also had outstanding starts to the year and could also fit in any of the spots on the ball.
Robbie Gray is probably the only contentious selection in the forward line, possibly because of Port Adelaide’s indifferent form. I’ve tried to ignore team form for the most part and go after the best players, and Gray is definetly one of those, second only to Nat Fyfe averaging 8.5 clearances a game.
Todd Goldstein definitely earned his starting position in the ruck, as he heads into the bye leading all comers with 43.6 hitouts a game. Fyfe was the first selection in the team, and I’ve rewarded David Armitage for his outstanding form, as he is averaging the second most disposals per game in the league, behind that man again Nat Fyfe.
I’ve gone with Naitanui over Sandilands on the bench purely thinking about this team functionally. Adding another tap ruck-man such as Sandilands wouldn’t be as beneficial as adding a guy who is the best athlete at the position. The two GWS boys Jeremy Cameron and Dylan Shiel also get spots on the bench while Easton Wood is my left of center pick that rounds out the team.
Full Backs: McGovern (WCE), Hooker (ESS), Hurley (ESS)
Half Backs: Shaw (GWS), Rance (RIC), Murphy (WBD)
Centre: Gaff (WCE), Priddis (WCE), Hannebery (SYD)
Half Forwards: Martin (RIC), Franklin (SYD), Gray (PA)
Full Forwards: Betts (ADE), Kennedy (WCE), Elliot (COL)
Followers: Goldstein (NM), Fyfe (FRE), Armitage (STK)
Interchange: Shiel (GWS), Naitanui (WCE), Cameron (GWS), Wood (WBD)
