Jonathan Brown (Brisbane Lions) - 26 years old, 145 games, 283 goals.
Victoria's skipper is a powerhouse forward and a champion of the game. His passion for the "Big V" is unquestioned, but he is battling a quad injury.
Gary Ablett (Geelong) - 23 years old, 131 games, 173 goals.
One of the game's superstars, the goalkicking midfielder has continued his blistering form from last year, but he must overcome a calf injury to play.
Jimmy Bartel (Geelong) - 24 years old, 115 games, 68 goals.
The reigning Brownlow Medallist has been in stellar ball-winning form yet again in 2008, claiming 189 disposals from his seven outings.
Daniel Bradshaw (Brisbane Lions) - 29 years old, 188 games, 393 goals.
After missing 2007 with a knee injury, the key forward has bounced back brilliantly booting 30 goals in the opening seven rounds.
Campbell Brown (Hawthorn) - 24 years old, 103 games, 38 goals.
Took his game to another level last year and gained All-Australian selection for his ability to play on tall defenders, despite standing just 177cm.
Paul Chapman (Geelong) - 26 years old, 143 games, 179 goals.
The classy forward/midfielder is one of the heartbeats of Geelong. He finished second to Steve Johnson in last year's Norm Smith Medal.
Trent Croad (Hawthorn) - 27 years old, 206 games, 189 goals.
Sidelined from rounds two to four with a wrist injury, the key defender has been added after some fine form since. He played for Victoria in 1999.
Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda) - 24 years old, 127 games, 61 goals.
The silky-skilled Dal Santo has been a constant for the Saints, having now played 109 consecutive matches.
Brendan Fevola (Carlton) - 27 years old, 149 games, 418 goals.
The full-forward has been in super form, booting 31 goals from his opening seven matches. This included 22 majors from rounds three to five.
Nathan Foley (Richmond) - 22 years old, 56 games, 12 goals.
A tenacious and fine young midfielder, the former rookie took his game to another level last year, finishing second in the club's best-and-fairest.
Josh Fraser (Collingwood) - 26 years old, 163 games, 137 goals.
Now in his ninth AFL season, the ruckman/pinch-hitting forward has given the Pies great service since he was the No.1 draft choice in 1999.
Adam Goodes (Sydney) - 28 years old, 216 games, 206 goals.
The dual Brownlow Medallist is one of the most brilliant utilities in the game. A genuine match-winner, he can influence a game in minutes.
Brent Harvey (North Melbourne) - 30 years old, 248 games, 285 goals.
A dynamic midfielder/forward, Harvey is one of the club's all-time greats. He was Victoria's best in its most recent state match in 1999.
Brad Johnson (Western Bulldogs) - 31 years old, 306 games, 477 goals.
One of the remaining members of the 1999 Victorian side, the forward/midfielder is a 300-gamer and all-time great for the Dogs.
Steve Johnson (Geelong) - 24 years old, 94 games, 174 goals.
The reigning Norm Smith Medallist and mercurial forward took his game to another level last year and was pivotal in Geelong's premiership.
Chris Judd (Carlton) - 24 years old, 141 games, 145 goals.
Regarded by many as the best player in the game, the explosive midfielder has achieved every major accolade in the game - and he is just 24 years old.
James Kelly (Geelong) - 24 years old, 115 games, 56 goals.
A member of Geelong's all-conquering 2007 premiership side, the midfielder/forward has taken his game to another this year and is in career-best form.
Darren Milburn (Geelong) - 31 years old, 220 games, 83 goals.
Finally shook the underrated tag last year when the defender was rewarded with All-Australian selection. He is crucial to Geelong's structure.
Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) - 25 years old, 115 games, 19 goals.
A ball magnet who is brilliant around the stoppages, Mitchell took over as Hawthorn captain this season. He has been pivotal in the club's resurgence.
Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs) - 25 years old, 134 games, 108 goals.
The classy forward sustained a serious knee injury in 2006, but has bounced back with some excellent form in the early part of 2008.
Ryan O'Keefe (Sydney) - 27 years old, 148 games, 160 goals.
An outstanding running half-forward, the 2005 premiership player and 2006 All-Australian has again been a highly consistent performer in 2008.
Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood) - 20 years old, 39 games, 26 goals.
The young midfielder was added to the squad after top recent form. He had a consistent 2007, finishing second in the Copeland Trophy.
Luke Power (Brisbane Lions) - 28 years old, 202 games, 188 goals.
The triple premiership player and Lions co-captain remains one of the game's premier midfielders and an ultra-reliable performer.
Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn) - 21 years old, 65 games, 82 goals.
Included after some excellent recent form in front of goal, the key forward has booted 24 goals and teamed beautifully with Lance Frankllin.
Matthew Scarlett (Geelong) - 28 years old, 191 games, 16 goals.
Arguably the best key defender in the game, Scarlett's ability to rebound, stymie opposition tall and small forwards, and win a mountain of the ball is unrivaled.
Joel Selwood (Geelong) - 19 years old, 28 games, nine goals.
Remarkably in just his second AFL season, the reigning AFL Rising Star winner has been added to the squad after some first-class midfield displays.
Brad Sewell (Hawthorn) - 24 years old, 71 games, seven goals.
Surprisingly left out of the initial squad, the reigning club best-and-fairest winner has won a reprieve for his outstanding midfield form this year.
Heath Shaw (Collingwood) - 22 years old, 60 games, 13 goals.
One of the premier rebounding half backs in the game, Shaw has been a vital member of the line-up since securing cementing a spot in 2006.
Troy Simmonds (Richmond) - 29 years old, 164 games, 115 goals.
The former Melbourne and ex-Fremantle ruckman has shone in the ruck recently for the Tigers, earning a call-up to the 30-man squad.
Jarrad Waite (Carlton) - 25 years old, 92 games, 100 goals.
The key defender is one of Carlton's most integral players and his fine recent form has resulted in his inclusion in the squad.
DREAM TEAM
Andrew McLeod (Adelaide) - 31 years old, 290 games, 252 goals.
The 2007 All-Australian captain has been given the honour of leading the Dream Team - a fantastic achievement by one of the game's superstars.
Nathan Bassett (Adelaide) - 31 years old, 194 games, 24 goals.
The rebounding defender was added to the 30-man squad after initially being overlooked, but he has been an outstanding servant for a decade.
Nathan Bock (Adelaide) - 25 years old, 70 games, 52 goals.
The key defender could lay claims as the All-Australian centre half-back at this stage of the season, such has been his outstanding start to 2008.
Craig Bolton (Sydney) - 27 years old, 157 games, 23 goals.
Joined Leo Barry and Brett Kirk as a club co-captain this season. Bolton has developed into one of the most reliable defenders in the game.
Peter Burgoyne (Port Adelaide) - 30 years old, 215 games, 185 goals.
One of Port Adelaide's all-time greats, his reinvention as a rebounding half-back last year was a pivotal reason for his side's Grand Final berth.
Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide) - 25 years old, 136 games, 160 goals.
Possessing exquisite skills and clearance ability, the younger brother of Peter is an explosive midfielder/forward who can turn a match.
Brett Burton (Adelaide) - 29 years old, 158 games, 229 goals.
A dangerous player, considering he possesses outstanding athletic ability and high-leaping prowess. Burton has booted 21 goals after seven rounds.
Jamie Charman (Brisbane Lions) - 25 years old, 111 games, 48 goals.
The 2003 premiership player is a first-class ruckman with a strong physical presence, but he has battled injuries in recent seasons.
Adam Cooney (Western Bulldogs) - 22 years old, 94 games, 101 goals.
The goalkicking midfielder is in career-best form, having started in blistering fashion in 2008. He was the No.1 pick in the 2003 AFL Draft.
Joel Corey (Geelong) - 26 years old, 158 games, 52 goals.
An elite and super consistent midfielder, Corey has continued his great 2007 form this year, having chalked up more than 200 disposals in seven rounds.
Kane Cornes (Port Adelaide) - 25 years old, 147 games, 66 goals.
A remarkable midfielder, the younger brother of Chad can shut down the best and accumulate possessions at will. He is one of the AFL's finest.
Dean Cox (West Coast) - 26 years old, 152 games, 76 goals.
Arguably the best ruckman in the AFL, Cox's ruck work and ability to win the ball is outstanding. A foot problem may prevent him from playing.
Daniel Cross (Western Bulldogs) - 25 years old, 92 games, 18 goals.
Surprisingly overlooked in the first group, the ultra-consistent midfielder was named in the squad of 30 after a brilliant start to 2008.
Leon Davis (Collingwood) - 26 years old, 146 games, 182 goals.
The small forward/midfielder enjoyed his finest season with the Pies in 2007. He often lights up the stage with a freakish mark or goal.
Corey Enright (Geelong) - 26 years old, 132 games, 40 goals.
Although still underrated, the defender/midfielder was one of Geelong's best performers in last year's record breaking premiership victory.
Lance Franklin (Hawthorn) - 21 years old, 63 games, 161 goals.
'Buddy' has taken the football fraternity by storm. He is leading the goalkicking table with 36 goals and is vying the title of best in the business.
Darren Glass (West Coast) - 27 years old, 152 games, eight goals.
The first-year West Coast captain is one of the best key defenders in the game, highlighted by his back-to-back All-Australian years in 2006-07.
Simon Goodwin (Adelaide) - 31 years old, 222 games, 143 goals.
Although the dual premiership player is regarded as an elite midfielder, the first-year Adelaide skipper has shone up forward this season.
Ryan Griffen (Western Bulldogs) - 21 years old, 58 games, 23 goals.
The dashing midfielder has bounced back with some fine form this year after a knee injury ruined the second half of his 2007 season.
Graham Johncock (Adelaide) - 25 years old, 133 games, 82 goals.
One of the best small rebounding and attacking defenders in the AFL, Johncock has been in top form for the Crows this season.
Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney) - 26 years old, 142 games, 29 goals.
The Irishman is the only international in the Dream Team squad, having made his name as one of the best rebounding half-backs in the business.
Daniel Kerr (West Coast) - 24 years old, 150 games, 87 goals.
Despite serving a home and away suspension, the superstar midfielder is still eligible for this match. The ball-winner is one of the game's elite.
Brett Kirk (Sydney) - 31 years old, 178 games, 71 goals.
The inspirational Sydney co-captain is one of the club's most revered players and one of the competition's most respected. He played in Sydney's 2005 flag.
Luke McPharlin (Fremantle) - 26 years old, 119 games, 80 goals.
Either up forward or down back, he is an integral part of Fremantle's make-up. McPharlin finished third in the club's best-and-fairest last year.
Cameron Mooney (Geelong) - 28 years old, 151 games, 168 goals.
The key forward produced his finest AFL season in 2007, kicking five of his 67 goals in Geelong's premiership. He was also All-Australian.
Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide) - 26 years old, 83 games, 123 goals.
A career-best seven goals against Essendon in round seven earned the talented forward a berth in the squad after initially being overlooked.
Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle) - 26 years old, 182 games, 334 goals.
One of the superstars of the competition, the Fremantle skipper is a key forward of the highest quality and a four time best-and-fairest winner.
Matthew Richardson (Richmond) - Richmond - 33 years old, 263 games, 767 goals.
The Richmond superstar and club great is career-best form and starring all over the ground.
Ben Rutten (Adelaide) - 24 years old, 86 games, five goals.
Despite missing round seven with a back/buttock injury, the powerhouse 2005 All-Australian defender remains in the squad and is a chance to play.
Mathew Stokes (Geelong) - 23 years old, 37 games, 56 goals.
The small goalkicking forward made his mark in 2007 and rewarded with a premiership with Geelong. He is an outstanding mark for his size.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
