All Australian team

[hammo]

With the all Australian side being announced tonight and Roosey saying at least 5 Swans deserve selection (Goodes, Kirk, O'Loughlin, Leo Barry and Williams), who do you think will actually be picked?

I think the media interest in Kirky may not be enough to get him in the team although he'd definitely be in mine.

Leo should get on a half back flank and Goodes MUST be in there somewhere.

I wouldn't be surprised though (but very disappointed) if most Swans were overlooked. It's hard to stand out when its been such an even contribution all year, plus the selectors have their favourites in Buckley, Crawford and Voss making it almost impossible for someone like Kirk get in, even though he's laid more tackles than anyone else this year.

Roos should be a shoe-in as coach but I bet they give it to Williams. What a joke that will be after last weekend!!!

[sharpie]

Williams will definitely not be All-Australian coach. Everyone, even the media, agree that Roosy is the coach of the year. However, isn't it true that the All-Australian coach is the premiership coach?

And as for my thoughts on the players, I think Goodes is a certainty, with probably only Leo and Kirk rough chances.

[TheHood]

REALITY:

Goodes on the bench, Roos for coach.

Anyone expecting more is deluded. There is too much pressure for the selectors to love Melbourne sides and Brisbane at a stretch (sour grapes isn't it).

The real truth is that we are such an even team that there is just about no superstars, so why worry about it. The flag is our real objective, not status!

[BAM_BAM]

I wouldn't be too surpirsed if Kirky got a mention on the bench. Wallsy has had a lot of good things to say about him recently. I know he's only one of the selectors, but maybe his comments have got the others thinking?

[stellation]

I think Goodes will be named either on the Half Forward flank or on the bench. No question it would be a huge shock if he wasn't included. I wouldn't be suprised to see Paul Williams on a flank/wing or maybe on the bench. Also wouldn't be too suprised to see Leo Barry at Half Back flank, but that may depend on whether they see Pavlich as a centre half back or on-baller, because they seem to love choosing two key position players and a pocket/flank instead of one key position player and two pocket/flank players. Would dearly love to see Kirk recognized for beating all of the stars who will be named in the midfield.

All-Australian this year is automatic selection for the two match International Rules series against Ireland, so if they were smart enough to maybe pick with that in the back of their mind Goodes, with his soccer background, may get some extra thought. I know they won't, but you never know...

On another interesting note, you can select an All-Australian team at afl.com.au and they take the details and I guess will be comparing Internet supporter votes to the named team, so get over to the site and pick a Swans heavy-side so that people know there are fans out there when they post the results. And, in an interesting turn, from the drop-down menu you can select to add a certain young piece of hot Irish crumpet to your All "Australian" side.

[dawson]

I believe in Kirky - 31 will be there

[Diego]

Kirk won't be there. Taggers never get picked.

Even though he has re invented the role and has called it a "Defensive midfielder" which i think is a fairer name for what he does.

i expect goodes to be named.

[dawson]

Thats fine Diego - but if he's picked, don't be suprised.

[Diego]

I won't be b/c he merrits a place. It's just taggers are not respected by selectors.

[ugg]

He won't get in and Goodes will be the only Swan.

[liz]

I have a sneaking feeling Willo might just creep into the team. I don't think he really deserves it this year - not that he hasn't been good but that there are lots of other midfielders who have probably edged him.

But he was robbed blind last year by not being named and I think there was some embarassment amongst the selectors, particularly after he walked off with the C9 POY award and polled so well in the Brownlow. Wouldn't be entirely surprised to see the ledger being squared this year.

Another consideration will be whether the selectors want the composition of the team to reflect the ladder. Again, I sensed a bit of embarrassment last year that they couldn't even squeeze one Collingwood player in. For that reason, it's possible that they'll look to make sure the top teams have a decent representation. If so, and if Willo doesn't get the nod, I wouldn't be surprised to see Leaping get a guernsey. There are a few with strong claims for a half-back flank role but Leo's are as strong as anyone else's IMO.

[ugg]

He certainly deserved to be there last year, I was quite ticked off when he wasn't named. He doesn't deserve it this year though, as there have been plenty better midfielders. Interesting to note that the 'leaked' All Australian team posted on bigfooty and the Herald Sun has him on a wing.

[Foreign Legion]

I have heard that Crawford is not in - this might help Kirk's chances of getting in!

[NMWBloods]

I think Goodes will definitely get in there.

Willo is a reasonable outside chance, as is Kirk, with both Healy and Walls probably plugging for him.

Don't see anyone else making it.

Williams won't be coach as premiership coach is always the AA coach.

[Foreign Legion]

Full Back line:
Wanganeen - Scarlett - Smith


Smith pretty lucky this year I think.