Sam Collins and Noah Anderson have both been recognised for their outstanding individual seasons by earning selection in the 2024 All Australian squad.
It is Collins’ first time being nominated for the All Australian team, with the SUNS vice-captain playing every match and being a consistent and reliable performer each week.
Collins ranked first in the AFL for intercept possessions with an average of 8.3 per game and second in the AFL for intercept marks in with 3.2 per game in 2024.
The key defender averaged 12.3 disposals at 84% efficiency and also averaged seven spoils per game.
Collins is one of the best one-on-one defenders in the AFL, losing just 15.8% of his 76 contested one-on-ones this season.
Anderson has had another prolific season after previously being named in the 2023 All Australian squad.
Elevated to the vice-captaincy alongside Collins this season, Anderson has averaged 29 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six clearances, six score involvements and six inside 50’s per game.
Anderson finished the season ranked eighth in the competition for total disposals and second for inside 50’s.
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, 29 August, as part of the AFL Awards.
The 2024 All Australian selection panel is Andrew Dillon (Chair), Eddie Betts, Jude Bolton, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, Abbey Holmes, Glen Jakovich, Matthew Pavlich, Laura Kane and Josh Mahoney.