The 2020 All-Australian team has drawn scrutiny for the amount of on-ballers in the side, at the expense of wingmen and forwards.
Western Bulldogs star Jack Macrae and Geelong’s Cam Guthrie were named on the wings, despite spending almost no time in the positions this year.
Only three forwards were deemed worthy of All-Australian selection as well, with Port Adelaide’s Charlie Dixon, West Coast’s Liam Ryan and Geelong’s Tom Hawkins in the forward line, surrounded by midfielders Patrick Dangerfield, Marcus Bontempelli and Dustin Martin.
Even the bench contained two midfielders in St Kilda’s Jack Steele and Collingwood’s Taylor Adams, as well as ruckman Max Gawn and had no forwards or wingmen represented.
Gotta feel for the actual guys who’s “primary” role of half fwd/ fwd pocket are and elite at it just, for it to be filled with “A” grade mids....
— Jeremy Howe (@howie0038) September 24, 2020
I’m disappointed with the All-Australian selectors. The wingers role in today’s game is such a specialist position yet they fail to recognise the discipline & selfless nature that comes with the role. Why should players like for eg. Gaff, Menegola or McCluggage be overlooked ?
— Michael McGuane (@MickMCG34) September 24, 2020
Geez I’m all about this. Can we please start to recognise wing craft. Thank you @Robbo_heraldsun @kaitashmore https://t.co/lRKr0qXqQn
— Stephanie Chiocci (@Steph_Chiocci) September 24, 2020
Former Essendon captain Tim Watson has called for the selectors, made up of older ex-players and AFL administrators, to shift the way they think about picking the team to reflect the modern game.
“This is what I think about the All-Australian team and I think they need to have this philosophical discussion, in fact I’d be surprised if they haven’t,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“Don’t you think the way the team should be selected should reflect the way the game is played currently and how teams and coaches set their teams up to play?
“The wing has become a specific type of position. It’s not just about shifting a midfielder out to that part of the ground because you want them in the side.
“That small forward pressure role has become a very important role in our game and those guys that play that would love to play a different role, but they’re doing what they’re asked to do and that’s the role that has been specified for them.”
Genuinely hoped the AA-Selection panel had some courage and acknowledged the wingers this year, another snub.
— Mitch Robinson (@MitchRobinson05) September 24, 2020
17% and 4% 🤣 #RIP
Selecting the 2020 All Australian team is a very difficult task, made harder by selecting players in positions they didn’t play.
— David King (@davidking34) September 24, 2020
HFF and Wing roles are specialist positions they’ve failed to recognise.
It’s not an opinion on a player, it’s on the position. Disappointing.
Another year, another robbery @Steph_Chiocci. Underrated position that can’t just be filled with left over mids https://t.co/Q773s1Svln
— Kaitlyn Ashmore (@kaitashmore) September 24, 2020
Watson adds that he would like to see the squad of 40 replaced with an All-Australian first and second team.
“Let’s name a second team. Instead of naming a 40 and saying those guys are so close, just name a second team so you can actually pick a team the way AFL teams are picked week in week out now,” he said.
SEE THE FULL ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM HERE.
The All-Australian selection panel as it currently stands: Gillon McLachlan (chairman), Kevin Bartlett, Luke Darcy, Steve Hocking, Glen Jakovich, Chris Johnson, Cameron Ling, Matthew Richardson and Warren Tredrea.