How you can follow the 2016 Virgin Australia AFL All Australian Awards
- Join AFL.com.au's live blog from 7pm AEST
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AHEAD of the 2016 Virgin Australia AFL All Australian Awards, AFL.com.au reporters have voted for their best performers of the year.
The forward line was without doubt the easiest group of players to select, with five of the six positions filled by unanimous picks.
The sixth spot was controversial, with reporters divided between Bulldogs midfielder Marcus Bontempelli and Greater Western Sydney dynamo Toby Greene.
There was little support for Hawthorn's Jack Gunston (48 goals) or Adelaide's Josh Jenkins (60) and Tom Lynch (36), despite their outstanding seasons and the flexibility they would give this team.
Below is the full team, line by line, listed from backs to bench. What do you think?
Jeremy McGovern (West Coast)
An All Australian nominee last year, McGovern remained in defence in 2016 and cemented himself as the best intercept mark in the game. Equal-fifth in the AFL for contested marks (2.2 a game).
Robbie Tarrant (North Melbourne)
A clear standout as a tall lockdown defender, Tarrant was preferred ahead of Talia by some margin. Played every game and stopped some of the game's best key forwards.
Dane Rampe (Sydney Swans)
Nominated by all but one reporter, who preferred Laird, Rampe was an elite intercepter and could play tall or small. Had the ability to control games from defence. Pipped Bulldog Matthew Boyd in this position.
Heath Shaw (GWS)
A unanimous pick, Shaw's ability to marshal the defence and spark attack was outstanding, ranking No.1 in the AFL for rebound 50s (172) and average metres gained (562m a game).
Alex Rance (Richmond)
Another unanimous pick, Rance was seen as the standout defender all season and is in line for his third consecutive selection. Stood tall under relentless opposition pressure.
Corey Enright (Geelong)
A hotly debated position, Enright was preferred over Simpson. If the 34-year-old makes the cut it will be his sixth All Australian selection. His poise, consistency and strength in one-on-ones got him the nod.
Dan Hannebery (Sydney Swans)
In line for his third All Australian selection, the star Swan ranked No.3 in the AFL for total disposals and didn't miss a game. Fourth in the AFL for inside 50s (114), few argued against the courageous runner.
Josh Kennedy (Sydney Swans)
Ranked No.2 in the AFL for clearances behind Carlton's Patrick Cripps (who was not available for selection as he was not in the 40-man squad), Kennedy was the popular pick in the centre. Missed just one game and ranked No.1 for contested possessions.
Andrew Gaff (West Coast)
Without doubt the hardest position to pick. There were strong cases for Luke Shuey, Jack Steven and Adam Treloar here, and one push for Tom Scully given the preference for a genuine wingman. Late season form got Gaff over the line. Ranked No.1 for uncontested possessions (22.5 a game).
Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)
In the only position under debate, Bontempelli's ability to average a goal a game as a midfielder and even play as a tall forward when needed got him the nod. Dustin Martin was seen as a good fit here, while Toby Greene was pushed very hard.
Tom Lynch (Gold Coast)
Locked in as the centre half-forward and moved on. Certain to earn his first All Australian selection after kicking 66 goals (equal No.3 in the AFL) in a struggling team. No.1 in the AFL for contested marks (2.8 a game).
Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)
Back-to-back All Australian selections beckon after 44 goals in 19 games. His 120 tackles were more than any small forward and his ability to stand up in big moments outstanding.
Eddie Betts (Adelaide)
A marking and crumbing marvel for the past two years, Betts ranked equal No.3 for goals (66) and will again challenge for goal of the year. A vital cog in the best forward line in the competition.
Josh Kennedy (West Coast)
Another lock after winning the Coleman Medal for the second straight year with 80 goals. Played every game, took his chances in front of goal and was No.1 for marks inside 50. Finished the year with back-to-back bags of five goals against Hawthorn and Adelaide.
Lance Franklin (Sydney Swans)
Second in the AFL for goals (74.49), Franklin adapted his game in 2016 and spent more time roaming outside 50, lifting his disposal average to a four-year high (17.64). Appears to be peaking for finals.
Max Gawn (Melbourne)
The easiest position to fill, given Gawn's clearly superior season and the fact he is only ruck specialist named in the 40-man squad. Played every game and ranked No.1 for hit-outs (42.2 a game).
Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
A no-brainer to place the outstanding midfielder of the season on the ball. As dangerous as any player given his ability to win contested ball (ranked No.5) and send the ball inside 50 (ranked No.1). Kicked 23 goals from the midfield.
Rory Sloane (Adelaide)
A near unanimous selection, Sloane was hard to position. Some had him on-ball, other had him on a wing or even the interchange. But he is a star and deserves a prominent place in this team. His mix of attack and defensive pressure should guarantee him his first All Australian selection.
Luke Parker (Sydney Swans)
Every reporter bar one wanted Parker in the team but most selected him on the interchange. Kicked 21 goals and averaged 28 disposals, making him a strong contender for his first All Australian selection.
Dustin Martin (Richmond)
Another player nearly unanimously selected, but mostly on the interchange. Martin's ball-winning (No.4 in the AFL with 31 disposals a game) made him a standout for the battling Tigers. Ranked No.5 for inside 50s but also pushed but to help an often under-siege defence.
Joel Selwood (Geelong)
Selwood enjoyed a return to his outstanding best to rank top 10 in all of total contested possessions (13.4 a game), clearances (6.5) and inside 50s (4.6). A great leader and this team's nominal captain.
Lachie Neale (Fremantle)
The leading possession-winner in the AFL (33.5 a game) was considered unlucky by some not to be selected on the ball. His contested ball (16.3) and clearance (7.3) strength was also top five in the competition, but the bench was seen as his best fit by most in a super year.
