HOW DO you fit them all in? That is the question the All Australian selectors will be asking themselves when it comes to naming the 2012 team. AFL.com.au takes a look at the players who are giving the selectors plenty to think about.
ADELAIDE
Sam Jacobs: Former Carlton ruckman Jacobs has been a revelation this season. He's been arguably the dominant big man of the competition and has upped his disposal count around the ground from almost 13 a game last year to nearly 14 in 2012.
Patrick Dangerfield: Dangerfield is quickly making a name for himself as the most explosive player in the competition. Second in the comp for contested possessions and a genuine Brownlow chance.
Scott Thompson: Thompson is third in the AFL for contested possessions and, at 29, is enjoying career-best form in 2012. He's been crucial to Adelaide's great season and will also be around the mark for Brownlow polling.
Taylor Walker: He averages the second most number of goals a game this year behind Lance Franklin. Walker's 16-mark, four-goal display against Melbourne showcased why, if not this year, he'll be an All Australian soon.
-Harry Thring
BRISBANE LIONS
Matt Maguire: Maguire had arguably his best season in the AFL. Top 10 in one per centers, skilled at being third man up, the fullback was rarely beaten until an ankle injury forced an early halt to his season.
Joel Patfull: The unsung defender played his usual mix of roles on talls and smalls. Kept everyone from Nick Riewoldt to Dustin Martin quiet. Doesn't rack up big numbers but is resolute and will push for the Lions' B&F.
-Michael Whiting
CARLTON
Heath Scotland: The evergreen defender turned 32 this year, but has managed one of the best seasons of his career, averaging nearly 27 possessions a game. He's missed just one match through injury and has been one of the few consistent performers in an unsettled Blues line-up.
Eddie Betts: The 25-year-old is comfortably leading Carlton's goalkickers and with three goals against the Saints will equal a career-best goal tally in a season of 50. He's kicked bags of five goals twice and has regularly performed the sorts of wizardry that have become his trademark.
-Jason Phelan
COLLINGWOOD
Dayne Beams: Likely to secure his first guernsey after a breakout season. Midfield time has increased but he's maintained his attacking potency at the same time. Was recently rewarded with a three-year contract and elevation to the leadership group.
Scott Pendlebury: The blue-chip midfielder is in the frame to add a third consecutive All Australian honour to his list of accolades. Has showed his class in many games despite missing four with a leg fracture.
Dane Swan: Like Pendlebury, has missed four games but has been a prolific contributor in many matches, namely round five against Essendon and round 17 against Hawthorn. Would make it four years running.
-Jennifer Witham
ESSENDON
Jobe Watson: One of the Brownlow Medal favourites seems a near-certainty to be included in the All Australian team for the first time, and might also be a chance to be appointed captain. Watson has enjoyed the best season of his career, averaging 29 disposals, kicking 19 goals and continuing his growth as one of the most complete midfielders in the game. Watson would be the only Bomber in All Australian contention after his side's dramatic slide in the second half of the year.
-Callum Twomey
FREMANTLE
Matthew Pavlich: Having returned to a permanent forward role, Pavlich has kicked 60 goals to lead the Coleman Medal and has been a match-winner on several occasions. A superb leader of his team, the six-time All Australian would be a worthy captain.
Luke McPharlin: The key defender is in line for his first All Australian selection after an ultra-consistent season playing on the opposition's best forwards. A supreme aerialist, he has also offered Freo dash out of the back half.
Ryan Crowley: If selectors were tempted to pick a tagger, it would be hard to look past Crowley, who has a long list of midfield scalps this season. A vital cog in Freo's midfield, he has nullified Chis Judd, Scott Thompson and Brett Deledio among others.
Michael Johnson: Returning to the backline, Johnson has excelled this season in a loose role, cutting off opposition entries and rebounding expertly. Importantly, he has the versatility to play as a shutdown defender when needed.
-Nathan Schmook
GEELONG
Joel Selwood: The Cats' skipper has been at his reliable best during 2012, averaging 25 possessions across 19 matches, despite copping plenty of close attention from taggers. He was selected in the All Australian team in 2009 and 2010.
James Kelly: A consistent ball-winner, Kelly has averaged 25 disposals in his 17 games this season. Along with getting plenty of the ball, he has also been one of the most prolific tacklers in the competition. He was selected in the All Australian team for the first time last year.
Steve Johnson: Sent into the midfield more often than in the past, 'Stevie J', who has previously been selected in the All Australian on three occasions (2007, 2008 and 2010), has enjoyed another great year. He has averaged 22 possessions and has booted 18 goals.
Tom Hawkins: The 'Tomahawk' has enjoyed a breakout season, highlighted by his brilliant performance against Hawthorn in round 19. That night he booted six majors, including the match-winner from 55m out on the final siren. His current tally of 58 goals places him just two behind Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich in the race for the Coleman Medal.
-Adam McNicol
GOLD COAST
Gary Ablett: The 2009 Brownlow medalist and five-time All Australian had another sublime season. Ablett mixed leadership, elite clearance work and superb finishing to again prove he is one of the AFL's best.
Harley Bennell: The 19-year-old stamped himself as a star in the making with a super consistent second season. The winger/half-forward averaged 24 touches per game, showing he is undoubtedly one of the best kicks and finishers on the run in the league.
-Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Callan Ward: Ward was one of the true success stories for GWS this year, playing the club's first 18 games before being struck down by osteitis pubis. He averaged almost 25 disposals and more than five tackles while holding the midfield together and justified his co-captaincy.
-James Dampney
HAWTHORN
Grant Birchall: Nominated in last year's squad of 40 but missed the final cut. Should be a near certainty to be named on a half-back flank this time. Is rarely beaten one-on-one and a crucial defensive rebounder. Ranks second at the Hawks behind Mitchell for disposals per game.
Lance Franklin: Missed six weeks late in the season with injury/illness, but should still add a fourth All Australian honour to his glittering CV. Has averaged 3.7 goals (ranked No.1 in the AFL), 18.3 disposals and 3.8 tackles per game. The highlight was his unforgettable bag of 13 against North Melbourne in round 10.
Josh Gibson: Unlucky to miss in 2011, Gibson will make the squad again and is a big chance to fill a back pocket in the final 22. The leader of the Hawks' defence, he has mastered the art of going 'third man up', and also uses the ball superbly by foot.
Jordan Lewis: It's amazing to think Lewis has never made an All Australian squad, let alone team, despite a remarkably consistent career. This season may be his best chance yet. The 26-year-old has maintained a disposal average in the mid-low 20s, while booting 27 goals, easily a career-high. Also led the team superbly in Luke Hodge's absence.
Sam Mitchell: Claimed his first All Australian nod in 2011 and should go back-to-back. Mitchell is critical to Hawthorn's success. He's remarkably consistent, damaging on both sides by hand and foot and continues to be a clearance master. He also ranks in the AFL's top 10 in tackles.
Cyril Rioli: The best defensive small forward in the AFL by the length of the Grand Final parade, Rioli would seem a certainty for his first All Australian team. Stats don't do his impact justice, but he averages 5.6 tackles per game and has kicked a career-high 34 goals. Has also become a regular at centre bounces, where he's developing into a very good clearance player.
Jarryd Roughead: If selectors follow the modern AFL formula of selecting one genuine ruckman and a key forward/back-up ruck, the ultra-consistent Roughead is a chance. Has booted 40 goals (ranked 13th in the League), while also spending significant time in the ruck, where his effectiveness once the ball hits the ground is his great strength (averages 9.4 hit-outs and 3.6 clearances).
Brad Sewell: Likely to be overlooked in favour of other gun midfielders, but selection in the squad of 40 would be just reward for an excellent season.
-Mark Macgugan
MELBOURNE
Jeremy Howe: His high-flying exploits have captivated crowds, but he has been better than a highlights reel. Played every game, mostly in the midfield, and was consistent and creative. If the All Australian needs some aerial flair, Howe is the man.
Nathan Jones: On the basis that he was the Demons most consistent performer, win, lose or draw. Took on opposition midfields and at times was a solo act, a one-man clearance machine. Always kicked the goal when the Demons were at their most desperate.
-Peter Ryan
NORTH MELBOURNE
Todd Goldstein: Goldstein had a slow start to 2012 but has flourished as North's sole specialist ruckman since Hamish McIntosh was injured in round seven. Ranked fourth in the AFL for hit-outs this year, Goldstein is also effective around the ground and made the preliminary All Australian squad last season.
Drew Petrie: The key forward has been outstanding this year and, after round 22, sits equal-fourth on the Coleman Medal table on a career-high 55 goals. Petrie is also effective pinch-hitting in the ruck for the Roos and made last year's All Australian team on the interchange bench.
Andrew Swallow: One of the premier inside midfielders in the AFL, Swallow has been remarkably consistent in 2012, averaging 26 possessions. An All Australian nominee the past two seasons, North coach Brad Scott has said several times recently Swallow deserves to make this year's final 22.
Scott Thompson: Thompson has enjoyed a stellar 2012 and has become the cornerstone of North's backline. At 193cm and 93kg, the versatile defender has shut down opponents ranging from Collingwood's Travis Cloke (196cm and 108kg) to Carlton speedster Eddie Betts (173cm and 74kg).
Daniel Wells: The graceful midfielder has enjoyed another standout season, but has not been quite as consistent as in 2011 when he was an All Australian nominee. At his best, his speed and silky skills make him one of the most damaging on-ballers in the competition.
-Nick Bowen
PORT ADELAIDE
Brad Ebert: Ebert has been impressive on what has been a disappointing side in 2012. He's had to carry the Power in several games this year and his tackling numbers are up there with the best. On a winning side he'd be talked up as a serious weapon.
-Harry Thring
RICHMOND
Trent Cotchin: Put simply, the 22-year-old midfielder has become one of the top few players in the competition and will walk into the All Australian team (slightly hunched, of course). His inside and outside work earns him a place on two fronts.
Brett Deledio: The hard-running midfielder has been an All Australian nominee three times (2008, '10 and '11) and, at 25, it's high time he made the final team. After another excellent season, he deserves it, too.
Chris Newman: The Tigers' director and chief distributor should be at the front of the queue for a small defender's spot. At 30, and without having played in a final, it would be a major fillip for a career spent mostly in the shadows.
Ivan Maric: It's no coincidence that Richmond's midfield has become so highly rated since the 26-year-old ruckman crossed from Adelaide before this season. If effect on a team is a criterion, he's right in the running.
Jack Riewoldt: It's a sign of his talent that Riewoldt is even in line for an All Australian berth after an up-and-down season. But, hey, if he wins the Coleman Medal, he's in. He made the 2010 All Australian team after winning that season's Coleman.
Shane Tuck: Wouldn’t this be a coup for battlers everywhere? The enduring 30-year-old ranks in the top 10 for disposals, clearances and contested possessions, so he's a sneaky chance for a spot on the bench.
-Paul Daffey
ST KILDA
Lenny Hayes: Has been nothing short of exceptional in his return to football after a serious knee injury. Has laid 124 tackles for the year (to be ranked fifth in the AFL) and has gathered 516 possessions to be far and away St Kilda's best midfielder. Is no stranger to All Australian honours, having being named in the 2003, 2005 and 2009 teams.
Sean Dempster: Has had a career-best season in St Kilda's undersized backline and has only got better as the season has progressed. Finished third in the club's best and fairest last year and could improve on that this year. A spot in the back-pocket seems most likely.
Nick Riewoldt: Enjoyed his most consistent season since he was captain of the All-Australian team in 2009. Didn't dominate games like he did in his All Australian years of 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2009 but not many tall forwards can claim to have had a better year.
Leigh Montagna: As with Riewoldt, it hasn't been his most outstanding season but he has been one of the Saints' most consistent players, with 503 disposals and 93 inside 50s (to be ranked 12th in the AFL). May struggle to get a spot with such a big pool of midfielders pushing for selection.
-Luke Holmesby
SYDNEY SWANS
Josh Kennedy: For two seasons now, Kennedy has been among the AFL's very best in clearances and contested possessions. With the Swans progressing into the top four this season, that is likely to be recognised when All Australian guernseys are handed out.
Ted Richards: From a battling forward who was sent from Essendon to Sydney, Richards has gradually developed into one of the AFL's leading key defenders. Rarely beaten, he is now the general of the best defensive line in the League.
Lewis Jetta: With 11 goals in his first four games, Jetta bolted out of the blocks as the Swans' unlikely leading goalkicker. But it was a title he didn't relinquish once over the course of the season.
Kieren Jack: The Swans traditionally struggle for All Australian nods, but their form this year means they have some worthy candidates. Jack has developed into a skilful, damaging midfielder with a knack for going forward and kicking important goals. Hard to stop when he gets going and can also tag.
Jude Bolton: In round 10 this year, the Swans set about destroying the Bulldogs while veteran Bolton went quietly about his business, amassing 41 possessions to set a personal best in a long and distinguished career. Of course, what is remarkable about the 32-year-old is that he regularly leads tackle counts, he rarely wins an easy ball and he slots goals as well. If the All Australian was selected on courage, Bolton would be an automatic selection.
Ryan O'Keefe: Part of the Swans meteoric rise to the top rungs of the ladder has been the outstanding form of its veteran midfielders and O'Keefe's form - particularly in the second half of the year - has been stunning. The beauty of O'Keefe is he not only finds plenty of the ball, but he plays tall, tackles hard and kicks brilliant goals - none better than his 50m bomb off a step against Hawthorn. In that game, O'Keefe had 30 disposals, kicked two vital goals and had 12 tackles. The highlight of his year was in round 16 against another flag fancy, West Coast, where he had a season best 39 touches (along with nine tackles). If you want a flint-hard midfielder in your team, who steps up to the plate when it matters, O'Keefe is your man.
-James Dampney/Cameron Noakes
WEST COAST
Dean Cox: The popular pick as this year's No.1 ruckman, Cox is in line for his sixth All Australian selection. Combining with Nic Naitanui to form the League's dominant ruck duo, he has averaged 25 hit-outs and pushed forward to kick 26 goals.
Darren Glass: The Eagles' backline marshal, Glass has enjoyed a near flawless season at full-back. Rarely beaten in one-on-one contests, the three-time All Australian is a master at peeling off to help his teammates.
Beau Waters: A career-best season for the premiership half-back, averaging 22 disposals and three rebound 50s. Courageous and a brilliant reader of the play, Waters has improved his kicking efficiency and even attracted defensive forward opponents this season.
Andrew Gaff: A long shot in his second season but deserves to be in the conversation after an elite campaign. A tireless runner, Gaff leads the AFL for uncontested possessions and is one of the game's most efficient kicks.
-Nathan Schmook
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Matthew Boyd: The Bulldogs skipper is in line for this third All Australian selection in the space of four seasons after averaging more than 30 touches a game for the third successive season.
Brian Lake: After an injury-plagued 2011, the veteran made a terrific return to fullback, where he dominated most opponents, particularly in contested marking duels, and provided great rebound with his usually precise kicking.
Liam Picken: Will be in the frame if selectors decide a taggeris a must. Rarely beaten, he claimed some big scalps and also managed to average 18 touches and slot eight goals.
-Ben Collins
The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
