With just two weeks left in the AFL season, the game’s biggest names and rising stars are making their case for selection in the ultimate team of the year.

So from the yearly locks to the fresh-faced shocks, who’s in the mix for an All-Australian jacket?

Foxfooty.com.au runs through every club’s All-Australian contenders for 2024.

Watch every game until the 2024 AFL Grand Final LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >

ADELAIDE

It’s been quite the inconsistent year at West Lakes, but there’s still been a few strong individual performers. Star forward-turned-midfielder Izak Rankine has been exceptional when he’s played, but having missed seven games across 2024, it will be really hard to see him picked in the final 22. Nonetheless, he could make the squad of 44 as a half-forward flanker – as could teammate Ben Keays, who has averaged 2.4 goals and over 18 disposals a game since the post-game bye in a difficult role to play. There may be a slight level of recency bias attached to his name, but the 27-year-old has been huge in the second half of this year. Skipper Jordan Dawson, young gun Jake Soligo and Rory Laird have all had consistent season playing on-ball, but are highly unlikely to be selected in the initial squad.

BRISBANE

The Lions could well have the most nominations for the 44-man squad, with a plethora of contributors since their early season slump. Dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale and star intercept defender Harris Andrews are at the top of the list, having both had sensational seasons to date. The duo you would think will make the final side, regardless of what happens these final two rounds. Next in line will be Dayne Zorko, Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage – with the latter a chance to snare a vacant wing position. Zorko has arguably had his best-ever season across his 13-year career, while Dunkley has been a brute force in the midfield. Oscar McInerney is in the conversation as All-Australian ruckman, while Joe Daniher has had a solid season but it’s improbable he’ll make the cut.

CARLTON

There are three names that instantly spring to mind at the Blues, and all three should make the final team too. Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps has led from the front all year at Ikon Park, and would be at low odds to receive his fourth All-Australian blazer. Dual Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow has been great once again, and despite his ankle injury last Saturday, surely makes the final cut. And then there’s Jacob Weitering – who has had the honour elude him in previous year – but again, has made a strong case for the award. Curnow’s partner-in-crime Harry McKay has kicked 46 goals for the year up until Round 23, but may miss out given the competition from rival players at full forward.

COLLINGWOOD

For the Pies, only superstar Nick Daicos looks close to a certainty to receive an All-Australian jacket at season’s end. His outstanding year sees him as one of the Brownlow Medal chances for 2024, and rightly should be in the final 22. Beyond him, his brother Josh Daicos is a chance for a spot on the wing – and while his year hasn’t been as large as it was last year when he made the team, he’s still been very serviceable. The middle part of Jack Crisp’s year was scarily good, but a difference in role either side of that might make it hard for him to be more than a slight chance for the squad of 44. Darcy Cameron has levelled up in the ruck during the back half of 2024, but looks to be pipped by several other talls for the position.

ESSENDON

Much like Carlton’s Cripps, Zach Merrett has set the tone for his side from the get-go, and is much-deserving of a fourth AA blazer – as tough as his competition will be. In the tier below him this season at the club is Jye Caldwell, who has taken like a duck to water in his more consistent midfield role in the second half of the year; and is a chance for a spot in the original squad. The best of teammate Jake Stringer has been elite, but his inconsistency likely costs him a place at the table. Sam Durham and Andrew McGrath have been ultra-consistent this year for the Bombers, but are likely to have more success at the club’s best-and-fairest count than with the All-Australian selection committee.

FREMANTLE

Justin Longmuir’s side have four genuine candidates that could make the final cut this year, all with varying likelihoods. Caleb Serong is every chance to claim a spot on the bench for his season in the engine room, while Luke Ryan’s first half of 2024 was arguably the best of any defender in the league. While he has cooled off slightly, he could consider himself very unlucky to not make the final team. Perhaps the biggest surprise packet in the conversation for a maiden All-Australian blazer is Josh Treacy, who’s 45 goals and dead-eye set shot make him a viable option in the 44-man squad. And then there’s Hayden Young, who has flourished in both the midfield and on a half-forward flank – becoming one of the competition’s most versatile players. If it wasn’t for injury, skipper Alex Pearce would be every chance to be the side’s full-back, but unfortunately, he’s missed too much football. Jordan Clark and Andrew Brayshaw have also been great contributors this season, but will be up against it for squad recognition.

GEELONG

Traditionally a champion team opposed to a team of champions, the Cats have been solid across the board but may not be represented beyond the initial 44-man squad. The middle of Max Holmes’ 2024 season was as good as most, but given the stiff competition it’s hard to see him finish in the side. Forwards Tyson Stengle and Gryan Miers have been ultra-consistent, with the former probably the best chance of a spot in the side in a small forward role. And as we know, Tom Stewart’s transition into the midfield has been elite, but can he still be picked as a defender off his form in the middle of the ground? It would seem a stretch, but it’s certainly food for thought at the selection table. Jeremy Cameron’s second half of the year has seen him show glimpses of his best football, but he won’t be selected for a fourth AA blazer in 2024.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Only Touk Miller (2021, 2022) and Sun-turned-Tiger Tom Lynch (2016) have been selected in the All-Australian team this last decade from the Gold Coast; a stat that makes grim reading. Their best hopes of a selection this year lie with midfielder Noah Anderson and defender-turned-midfielder Sam Flanders. Anderson has been as hot as a house on fire when playing at home, but probably doesn’t make the cut. Flanders on the other hand should at least make the squad of 44, but against the likes of Whitfield, Sheezel, Houston and Zorko off half-back, might struggle to earn a maiden blazer. Ben King’s career-high goals tally in a season is noteworthy, but again, he’s unlikely to make the final team. Brute defender Sam Collins is a smoky for the full-back position, and definitely can’t be ruled out if the selectors favour his form.

GWS GIANTS

The first definite lock in the side is Coleman Medal leader Jesse Hogan, who now has the award all but locked away with Curnow’s ankle injury. And not far off him is 230-gamer Lachie Whitfield, who was awarded his sole blazer back in 2018 – and should be given first look at a half-back position. The season of midfielder Tom Green has been wavy, but he’s probably done enough to at least be recognised in the squad. Defenders Jack Buckley and Sam Taylor have unexpectedly been stars in defence, but the latter’s seven-game absence in 2024 makes it nigh on impossible to be selected. Kieran Briggs has had some massive games in the ruck for the orange and charcoal, but his chances of recognition will need to wait at least another year.

HAWTHORN

It’s very dependent on how the All-Australian selectors pick their forward line (and whether or not excess midfielders are sent to the half-forward flanks), but Dylan Moore has to be a shot at making the side. His forward craft is up there with the elite, and his pressure is always present on days where he doesn’t get as much of the ball. Winger Massimo D’Ambrosio has been highly regarded by Champion Data all season, but selectors haven’t always favoured those who play the role genuinely. Will Day has been a game-breaker since his full-time move into the midfield, but like captain James Sicily, will probably be recognised for his efforts internally on best and fairest night.

MELBOURNE

It’s been a much quieter year than usual from an individual performance point of view for the Demons. Skipper Max Gawn is naturally a shot at the starting ruck role, but his two weeks off through injury may have opened the door wider than first thought; despite his incredible season up until the bye (and during the last fortnight). Nonetheless, he’ll at the very least be in the 44-man squad. Key defender Steven May is annually in the conversation for a spot at full back, but probably hasn’t been meeting the lofty standards he sets himself enough to be seriously considered. Forward-midfielder Kysaiah Pickett averages just under two goals a match and has broken matches wide open this season, but seems long odds to make a squad of the 44 best players this year Superstar Christian Petracca was on track for his fifth All-Australian blazer before his season-ending injury.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Despite sitting second-last on the table, the Kangaroos are every chance to have two starters in the final 22. Tristan Xerri has emerged as the new favourite to snatch the ruck position from Max Gawn, with what has been a truly sensational season. And on par with him is second-year player Harry Sheezel, who’s output is top tier regardless of where he’s playing. Despite playing midfield in the second half of the season, Sheezel should find himself off half-back in the side. If both are named the Kangaroos will make history as the first bottom-two team to provide two All-Australians, since the modern team selection process began in 1990. Even two from a bottom-two team making the squad would be a 14-year first. Inside bull Luke Davies-Uniacke is rated as one of the top 20 players for 2024 by the AFL, but is probably up against it mainly due to his side’s lowly form. Last year’s All-Australian selection Nick Larkey has averaged more than two goals a game for the second straight season, but his 2023 year was far more pressing for a blazer.

PORT ADELAIDE

Zak Butters looks a good chance to go back-to-back in the side after another huge year for the Power; averaging 28 disposals and a tick under five clearances a game. Teammates Dan Houston and Connor Rozee won’t be too far behind him in the minds of selectors, with the former giving others strong competition rebounding off half-back. And he might have to wait for another year before earning his maiden blazer, but Jason Horne-Francis continues to prove that you don’t have to get 30 disposals every week to be a midfield star. His impact on the game with nearly every possession is just about second to none across the competition, and indicates he’s closer than ever to league-wide recognition.

RICHMOND

It’s been a year to forget for the Tigers, but Nick Vlastuin is a chance to be named in the initial squad after a strong season down back for coach Adem Yze – registering 50 intercept marks so far in 2024. Given the season they’ve had, it’s hard to expect many more players from Punt Road will be highlighted, but three-time premiership player Daniel Rioli and captain Toby Nankervis have gotten a lot out of themselves throughout. Unfortunately for Rioli, the half-back line this season will be flooded with nominees, which will essentially rule him out of contention.

ST KILDA

It’s a two-horse race at St Kilda to be named in the All-Australian squad this year, with Rowan Marshall the best placed to be named as the ruckman in the final 22. The third-best ruck in the competition for clearances and the only one to average over 20 disposals a game, Marshall also ranks elite for inside 50’s. His around the ground work has been outstanding, but will he edge out Xerri and Gawn? His teammate Jack Sinclair has played very well off half-back, and taken his chances when called upon in the middle of the ground. Ironically though, that secondary move might be what costs him a spot in defence – despite how well he’d played. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has mirrored Sinclair very well coming out of the back half in 2024 also, but will need to wait at least another year before earning a maiden blazer.

SYDNEY

There could be as many as five Swans named in the initial 44-man squad at the end of the home-and-away season, with three of them almost certainly making the final cut. It won’t be a surprise to anyone that all of Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden and Chad Warner will be at the forefront of the minds of selectors for this team, and rightly so. Gulden has undoubtedly locked down one wing, while Heeney and Warner may get pushed to half-forward flanks if history repeats itself with midfielders that kick goals getting named in attack. In defence, Nick Blakey looks the best chance of a Swan making the side, but if a cameo appearance was to come by, it would likely just be in the squad. And then there’s Brodie Grundy, who after such a strong first half of the season, has dropped off in line with Sydney’s form slump – and probably rules him out of anything more than a squad call up also.

WEST COAST

The Eagles might not have many at shorts odds to make the initial squad, but their representatives are just as strong a chance of making the final 22. Defender Jeremy McGovern has wound back the clock this season, holding down the fort beautifully in defence alongside Tom Barrass – who is less likely to make the squad. It’s worth noting that McGovern did recently miss a patch of three games through injury, which may slightly lessen his case for the selection panel. The Eagles’ second genuine shot in the team is forward Jake Waterman, who has had a coming of age in 2024. Sitting fourth in the Coleman, Waterman has unfortunately also missed three games which may go against him. Nonetheless, his ability to be hit up on a lead and mark the ball inside 50 has given his side a breath of fresh air this year. Elliot Yeo – who weirdly has also missed three games this year – was red-hot at the start of the season, but may find himself in a small group of players unlucky to be given a spot in the squad.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

There is a world where the Bulldogs could well hold down two-thirds of the starting midfield with Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar. The duo has been exceptional through the engine room, with Treloar in particular playing arguably his best ever season of football. And it almost goes without saying that Bontempelli is once again in Brownlow Medal contention, the superstar is averaging just under a goal and a half a game to go with his 26 disposals and six clearances per match. Bailey Dale has hit his straps ever since being relegated to a sub role earlier in the season, and while it might be a stretch to see him named in the final team, he probably deserves a mention in the squad. It’s unlikely the duo of Ed Richards and Tim English will be in the squad, but both have been vital in the club’s resurgence this season. English hasn’t been in the same form he was last year as All-Australian ruck, but has still provided his midfield with silver service at stoppage and around the ground.