The 2016 Virgin Australia All-Australian team represents the best performed Australian Football League (AFL) players during the 2016 season. It was announced on 1 September as a complete Australian rules football team of 22 players. The team is honorary and does not play any games.
Selection panel
editThe selection panel for the 2016 All-Australian team consisted of chairman Gillon McLachlan, Kevin Bartlett, Luke Darcy, Mark Evans, Danny Frawley, Glen Jakovich, Cameron Ling, Matthew Richardson and Warren Tredrea.[1]
Team
editInitial squad
editThe initial 40-man squad was announced on 29 August. Adelaide had the most nominations with six, while cross-town rivals Sydney and Greater Western Sydney both had five nominations each.[2] The two worst-performed teams during the season, Essendon and the Brisbane Lions, were the only clubs not to receive a nomination.[3]
Final team
editMinor premiers Sydney had the most selections with five. Geelong captain Joel Selwood was announced as the All-Australian captain, with Adelaide midfielder Rory Sloane announced as the vice-captain.[4] The team saw nine players selected in an All-Australian side for the first time in their careers.[5]
Note: the position of coach in the All-Australian team is traditionally awarded to the coach of the premiership team.
References
edit- ^ Schmook, Nathan (29 August 2016). "AFL All Australian 40-man squad named". AFL.com.au. Telstra Media. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
- ^ Beveridge, Riley (29 August 2016). "All-Australian 40-man squad announced". Fox Sports (Australia). News Corp Australia. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
- ^ Olle, Sarah (29 August 2016). "The five players unlucky to miss out on the All-Australian 40-man squad". Fox Sports (Australia). News Corp Australia. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- ^ Schmook, Nathan (1 September 2016). "All Australian: Five Swans in 2016's best 22". AFL.com.au. Telstra Media. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- ^ "The 2016 All-Australian Team Has Been Announced". Triple M. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2016.