THE ALL-AUSTRALIAN side was named at Docklands in Melbourne on Monday night, with Geelong dominating the line-up for the second year running.

Below is the complete team and a profile of each team member.

Dale Morris (Western Bulldogs) – An integral member of his side's back-half, Morris again claimed some key scalps throughout 2008, with his ability to play on bigger or smaller opponents a feature of his game. His 280 disposals for the season was career-best.

Matthew Scarlett (Geelong) – Not only reinforced his status as the best tall defender in the game, he also staked his claims as one of the all-time great full backs in 2008. Scarlett's ability to stymie opponents, rebound and win the ball was again unsurpassed.

Tom Harley (Geelong) – On the back of leading the Cats to their first flag in 44 years, Harley had his finest AFL season and was a rock in defence. He elevated his captaincy status to the point where he was regarded by many as the best leader in the AFL.

Luke Hodge (Hawthorn) – Although one of the best 'all-rounders' in 2008, it was the Hawthorn vice-captain's form across half-back that stood out the most. Despite missing five matches, Hodge's consistency and match-turning ability was among the AFL's best. 

Nathan Bock (Adelaide) – Produced his most dominant season – his first half in particular was outstanding – as he settled down back. Able to beat and run off opponents, Bock had the fifth most kicks and was the most effective in the AFL over 22 rounds.

Sam Fisher (St Kilda) – Statistically had his finest AFL season – even better than when he finished third (2006) and runner-up (2007) in St Kilda's best-and-fairest award. Fisher was also one of the AFL's most consistent defenders and effective kicks in 2008.

Jimmy Bartel (Geelong) – The brilliant midfielder played at such an elite level in 2008 that he is on target to win back-to-back Brownlow Medals. Regularly among the best and most influential in matches, he was the AFL's leading kick-getter after 22 rounds. 

Joel Corey (Geelong) – With star teammates Gary Ablett and Bartel in the midfield, Corey can sometimes be overshadowed, yet he had more disposals than any other player in 2008. Without question, he was one of the most consistent players of the year.

Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs) – The dashing Dog was pivotal in his side's top-four rise. So dominant was his first-half of the season, he was up with Gary Ablett and Lance Franklin as the best AFL player during that period. He remains a Brownlow Medal fancy.

Steve Johnson (Geelong) – The 2007 Norm Smith Medallist had another outstanding season, booting 49 goals. He also had equal second most goal assists in the competition. His six goals against West Coast in round 22 matched his personal best.

Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) – The St Kilda captain was a major reason for the club’s top-four finish, highlighted by a stunning second half of the season, including four best on grounds (rounds 13 to 16). The AFL's leading contested marker also booted 56 goals.

Brent Harvey (North Melbourne) – The forward/midfield dynamo mirrored his brilliant 2007 season. Again a favourite for this year's Brownlow Medal, Harvey was in the top 10 for disposals, kicks, effective kicks, loose ball gets, inside 50s, goal and scoring assists.

Brendan Fevola (Carlton) – Missed the magical ton by just one goal when he finished with 99 majors – just three shy of Coleman Medallist Lance Franklin. Fevola had his best year, averaging 4.5 goals per game, kicking two bags of eight and three hauls of seven.

Lance Franklin (Hawthorn) – Without question the most exciting – and arguably best – player in the AFL, 'Buddy' took his game to another level in 2008, mesmerising the competition with his unique talent. He finished the home and away season with 102 goals.

Paul Medhurst (Collingwood) – The former Fremantle forward produced his finest AFL season this year – his second at Collingwood. Medhurst booted 48 goals for the home and away season, including six goals against Essendon in round six to win the Anzac Day Medal.

Dean Cox (West Coast) – The best 'all-round' ruckman in the game, Cox had an outstanding year, even though he played most of it with a broken foot. Yet he still played all 22 matches at such an exceptional level that he won career-best disposals and hit outs.

Chris Judd (Carlton) – After a stellar career at West Coast, Judd had a brilliant first-up season with the Blues. The skipper led the competition in contested possessions and hard ball gets and last week won Carlton's best-and-fairest award – the John Nicholls Medal. 

Gary Ablett (Geelong) – Despite missing four matches through injury, the midfield dynamo staked his claim as the best player of the season, after another scintillating year. He has already claimed the AFLPA MVP and is again a Brownlow Medal favourite. 

Corey Enright (Geelong) – Had his best AFL season, although he still somewhat flies under the radar in a stellar side. Enright's second half of the season was highlighted by a purple patch from rounds 14 to 19, when he averaged 30.5 disposals per match.

Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle) – In line to receive his fourth consecutive All-Australian, the Fremantle skipper had another super consistent season, kicking 67 goals, including eight against North Melbourne. He was again one of the AFL's best contested markers.

Matthew Richardson (Richmond) – Switching to the wing, along with playing as a key forward, resulted in Richardson's finest AFL season and the unofficial title as 'utility' of the year. He had career-best disposals, booted 48 goals and was a regular match-winner. 

Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle) – The game's equal tallest player had an underrated year, claiming the most hit outs and hit outs to advantage in the AFL. He was also fifth in contested possessions and fourth in hard ball gets – an outstanding effort by a ruckman.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the clubs or the AFL.