Brisbane star Hugh McCluggage narrowly missed out on a maiden All-Australian blazer for the second year running.
McCluggage made it consecutive selections in the 40-man All-Australian squad but was overlooked for the final 22 with Geelong’s Cam Guthrie and Western Bulldogs ball-magnet Jack Macrae named on the wings.
One knock on McCluggage has been his goalkicking accuracy, kicking seven goals and 20 behinds during the home-and-away season.
Terry Wallace thinks that might have cost the 22-year-old a spot in this year’s All-Australian team.
“I was rapt for Hugh McCluggage that he finally got that goal in a clutch moment with everything that’s been said about that (his goalkicking),” Wallace told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“I’d go as far to say that his goalkicking might have cost him a spot in the All-Australian side.
“When that comes up in discussion, it might have been just enough to hold him back from a spot, which I don’t believe it should have.
“He’s a genuine star of the game.”
McCluggage’s late goal sealed Brisbane’s 15-point qualifying final win over Richmond and a home preliminary final at the Gabba in a fortnight's time.
The Lions will play the winner of the Geelong-Collingwood semi-final clash for a spot in the Grand Final.