North Melbourne stars Harry Sheezel and Tristan Xerri are in contention for their first All-Australian blazers, after earning selection in the extended squad from which the 2024 AFL All-Australian Team will be chosen.
The All-Australian selectors were asked to select 44 players, to recognise the leading players across all parts of the field – forwards, defenders and midfielders/rucks.
The final team of 22, as per the criteria established in 2007, will be selected as if to play a match.
The team will be named on Thursday, August 29, as part of the AFL Awards.
The awards show will be broadcast on live on Fox Footy from 7.30pm AEST. It will also feature the 2024 Telstra AFL Rising Star Award, along with AFL Players’ Association and AFL Coaches Association awards.
Three Kangaroos are in the running for the Rising Star Award, won by Sheezel last season.
George Wardlaw earned the nomination in Round 2, followed by Colby McKercher (Round 9) and Jackson Archer (Round 21).
Harry Sheezel
Never previously All Australian; never previously a squad member
21 matches this season: 14 goals, 1 behind
Season averages: 29.8 disposals, 75.7% disposal efficiency, 10.0 contested possessions, 3.5 clearances, 1.2 centre clearances, 3.8 tackles, 5.2 score involvements and 3.6 inside 50s
Tristan Xerri
Never previously All Australian; never previously a squad member
23 matches this season: 8 goals, 3 behinds.
Season averages: 17.9 disposals, 67.0% disposal efficiency, 12.6 contested possessions, 79.6 ruck contests, 34.5 hitouts, 8.7 hitouts to advantage, 4.1 score involvements and 6.6 clearances.
