The Brisbane Lions’ dominant season has been rewarded with five players named in the 2021 Therabody All Australian squad.
Charlie Cameron, Jarryd Lyons, Hugh McCluggage, Daniel Rich and Dayne Zorko were all named among the 40-person strong squad on Monday.
Zorko and Cameron have earned their chance to collect a second All Australian blazer.
The skipper has led a resurgent Lions in recent weeks as they hunted for a Top 4 finish, averaging 29 disposals a game over the past four weeks.
Collecting an impressive 29 disposals, 8 tackles, 1 goal and 1 goal assist in Saturday’s 38-point win over West Coast, Zorko’s efforts were the icing on the cake of a season that could see him rewarded with his second All Australia honour.
Cameron will also look to add another blazer to his collection after an impressive season in front of goal that saw him emerge as the premier goal kicking small forward in the competition.
With 47 goals for the season, Cameron currently sits as the leading small forward equal with Melbourne’s Bayley Fritsch.
It might be the third time lucky for McCluggage with the silky midfielder named in the squad the past two years but unfortunate to not make the team.
Currently the top ranked player for goal assists with 29 across the season and one of the most effective inside 50 kicks in the competition, McCluggage stands a chance to break through for his first blazer in 2021.
Lyons could make his first trip to the All Australian tailors after forcing his way into the squad off the back of a massive home and away season.
A remarkable clearance player, Lyons has produced one of his most consistent seasons to date to sit among the competition’s best when it comes to centre clearances and contested possession.
Rich has aged like a fine wine, producing some of his best football in his 13th season in the AFL.
With a competition high 13,939 metres gained over the course of the season, Rich’s stellar 2021 campaign could see him rewarded with his first All Australian honour.
The final 2021 Therabody All Australian team of 22 will be announced on Thursday evening.