Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich is set to become the most-capped All-Australian player of the modern era when the final team of 22 is named on Monday night.
Pavlich has not made an All-Australian team since 2008 and he is tied with Carlton captain Chris Judd and retired Geelong fullback Matthew Scarlett on six.
The key forward played a major role in the Dockers’ resurgence this season, playing 21 games and kicking 62 goals.
Since 1980, only 14 players have made seven or more All-Australian teams.
Pavlich was second in the goalkicking behind Richmond’s Coleman Medallist Jack Riewoldt, who is set to be named full-forward.
Hawthorn star Lance Franklin missed six games because of injury, but he was fourth in the goalkicking with 59 goals.
The small forward role should go to St Kilda veteran Stephen Milne, who had a stellar season with 56 goals.
Geelong key forward Tom Hawkins is another strong contender for selection after also kicking 62 goals.
Brownlow Medal favourites Trent Cotchin (Richmond), Jobe Watson (Essendon), Gary Ablett (Gold Coast) and Scott Thompson (Adelaide) all appear certainties to make the team, either in midfield roles, as resting forwards or on the bench.
Five other on-ballers who should make the cut are North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow, Hawthorn star Sam Mitchell, Collingwood’s Dayne Beams, Patrick Dangerfield from Adelaide and Sydney’s Josh Kennedy.
The candidates for the No.1 ruckman spot all have enjoyed great seasons – five-time All-Australian Dean Cox and West Coast teammate Nic Naitanui are the best ruck combination in the game.
Adelaide’s Sam Jacobs and Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric are also in the initial All-Australian squad of 40 after breakout years.
Sydney key defender Ted Richards has been rock-solid and is a big chance to earn his first All-Australian selection at centre half-back, with Fremantle key defender Luke McPharlin or West Coast captain Darren Glass worthy choices for fullback.
While Glass is a five-time All-Australian, McPharlin has never received the honour.
Glass’ teammate Beau Waters, four-time All-Australian Corey Enright, Adelaide’s Brent Reilly and Grant Birchall of Hawthorn have strong claims for the other defensive positions.
