Much of the focus will be on one man as the AFL’s best 22 players this season are honoured.

Richmond star Dustin Martin is a certain selection for his second-successive All-Australian team.

Martin is set to attend Wednesday night’s All-Australian function at the Palais Theatre, soon after he returns from his much-publicised trip to New Zealand.

He and his manager Ralph Carr visited Martin’s father Shane to discuss the monster seven-year offers from the Tigers and North Melbourne.

There is speculation that the Kangaroos’ offer to the restricted free agent is worth $2.8 million more than what Richmond have tabled.

But a big part of the Tigers’ pitch is what they can offer Martin beyond the end of his playing career.

Even without the contract situation, Martin would be a standout in the All-Australian team.

He is TAB’s shortest-priced Brownlow Medal favourite and enjoying the best form of his career.

Martin looms as one of the key players in the finals, with his form only improving despite the intense focus on the media-shy star’s playing future.

While Martin is a certain pick, the ruckman would have been a difficult choice for the All-Australian selectors.

Port Adelaide’s Paddy Ryder, Sam Jacobs (Adelaide) and Matthew Kreuzer (Carlton) were named in the 40-man squad on Monday and all have decent claims.

Minor premiers Adelaide lead the nominations with eight players.

Sydney star Lance Franklin, who won his fourth Coleman Medal with a 10-goal haul last weekend against Carlton, will make his seventh All-Australian team.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood is set for his sixth selection, while 26 players in the squad will be in their first All-Australian team if picked.