Only one Gold Coast SUN – skipper, Gary Ablett – has been selected in an All-Australian team to date, but one of his fellow midfielders is on track to join him in this year’s squad according to The Age.

Senior AFL writer for The Age, Rohan Connolly, has assessed the top performers in the AFL to date, and fourth-year mid Dion Prestia has earnt a nomination in his squad, alongside his incomparable captain.

Of course, Ablett is unquestionably the first cab off the rank when selecting any representative side, with the reigning Brownlow Medal winner continuing to lead the league in disposals, contested ball and scoreboard impact from any midfielder.

The Gold Coast champion was named at rover, alongside fellow AFL star Scott Pendlebury and in-form ruckman Aaron Sandilands.

Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy and Dayne Beams also round out the honorary midfield contingent.

“As mentioned, Ablett and Pendlebury pick themselves, and so far this season so does Sydney’s Josh Kennedy, second only to Ablett for disposals and contested ball,” Connolly wrote.

“His teammate Kieren Jack has to get in as well, the Swans’ co-captain not only holding his own for ball-winning, but second only to Ablett for scoreboard impact of the midfield crew.”

Significantly, though, Connolly had high praise for Prestia’s sensational campaign so far.

“Prestia’s selection ahead of some more familiar faces might surprise a few, but his numbers speak for themselves: ranked third in the AFL for disposals (an average 28.6), equal third for uncontested possession, and fifth for inside 50s.”

Current Coleman Medal frontrunner Jack Riewoldt was overlooked by the veteran scribe, while exciting small forward Chad Wingard and Essendon leader Jobe Watson also failed to secure a spot in the squad.