BEST AFL ALL-INDIGENOUS TEAM FOR THE FIRST NINE ROUNDS OF 2017
Back line
Neville Jetta (Mel) – The tough, close-checking back pocket is a key member of Melbourne’s back six.
Joel Hamling (Fre) – Has made a seamless transition from Western Bulldogs premiership player to the heart of Fremantle’s defence.
Jarrod Harbrow (GC) – A rare shining light for the Suns last year when he finished second in the best and fairest.
Half-back line
Zac Williams (GWS) – The former rookie provides the Giants with great run and drive off half-back.
Steven May (GC) – The only current indigenous captain in the AFL who will attract enormous interest if he seeks to move clubs at the end of the season.
Nathan Wilson (GWS) – Ranks highly in many key statistical categories including metres gained and disposal efficiency.
Centre line
Michael Walters (Fre) – The Dockers’ leading goalkicker in three of the past four seasons is now tearing it up in the midfield.
Daniel Wells (Coll) – A silky-smooth mover who makes new club Collingwood a much better side every time he gets on the park.
Bradley Hill (Fre) – One of the stand-out recruits of the season after crossing from Hawthorn to play alongside elder brother Stephen.
Half-forward line
Cyril Rioli (Haw) – One of the league’s biggest stars who will be sadly missed as he overcomes a knee injury.
Lance Franklin (Syd) – There are no bigger names in the AFL than Buddy, who only needs four more goals to move into the top 10 on the all-time list.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (Ess) – The hard-running and even-harder tackling Tiwi Islander has fast become a Bombers’ fan favourite.
Forward line
Eddie Betts (Adel) – The undisputed footy king of the Adelaide Oval. No-one kicks as many seemingly impossible goals as Eddie.
Chad Wingard (Port) – A dual All-Australian still aged in his early 20s who is equally adept up forward or in the middle.
Daniel Rioli (Rich) – The most recent member of the famed Rioli to make his mark in the AFL. The 20-year-old has all the tricks.
Ruck
Paddy Ryder (Port) – The ruck-forward hasn’t missed a beat on his return after being forced to sit out 2016 due to the Essendon supplements scandal.
Jack Martin (GC) – Now finally getting a run of luck on the injury front, the 22-year-old is among the Suns’ most important players.
Jade Gresham (SK) – Still a teenager, the gifted Gresham is already a walk-up start in the Saints’ best 22.
Interchange
Shane Edwards (Rich) – Now fully recovered from a hip complaint, the Tigers always look a much better side with Edwards in their lineup.
Charlie Cameron (Adel) – One of the most improved players in a Crows side which will challenge for the flag in 2017.
Michael Johnson (Fre) – Mostly used in defence by the Dockers, the 200-gamer can also provide valuable ruck support.
Shaun Burgoyne (Haw) – A four-time premiership winner at Port Adelaide and Hawthorn whose exquisite skills earned him the sobriquet of “Silk”.