DEAN Cox’s return as the number one ruckman in the game has been endorsed by AFL fans, with 90 per cent of them selecting him in their All Australian team in an online poll on afl.com.au.
Cox has been listed as the onfield ruckman in the majority of teams, and he is backed up by North Melbourne big man Todd Goldstein, who has been selected on the bench in 44 per cent of teams submitted.
Likewise, Stephen Milne’s specialised role as a goalsneak has earned him a place in 64 per cent of teams in the forward pocket.
More than 10,000 people submitted their team of the year on afl.com.au, with the winning entrant to receive a Sherrin football signed by members of tonight’s All Australian team.
Cox leads a powerful midfield in the popular vote comprising ball magnets Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan, Marc Murphy, Chris Judd and Gary Ablett.
Darren Glass gets the nod from fans as the full back of the team, with 39 per cent selecting the Eagles skipper, while Leon Davis’s transformation into Collingwood's backline general was reflected in 46 per cent of teams placing him in the back pocket.
Perhaps reflecting the evenness of their side, Geelong has just one representative in the fans’ collective response, with Steve Johnson turning up in 38 per cent of teams in the other forward pocket.
There are more midfielders on the bench, with the AFL’s leading possession winner Matthew Boyd joined by Scott Thompson and Sam Mitchell.
The All Australian team of 22, along with a coach, will be named this evening at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre from the squad of 40 already announced.
The winner of Mark of the Year and Goal of the Year will also be revealed, with Collingwood’s Andrew Krakouer a chance to take out both awards.