AFL Toyota Premiership 2011

2007 COCA-COLA ALL AUSTRALIAN TEAM 

Backs

Matthew Scarlett – Geelong

Previous All Australian years: 2003, 2004

ONE of the great full-backs of the modern era, and arguably of all time, Scarlett had another super year for the Cats in 2007. His ability to stifle the game's top key forwards while providing excellent rebound and forward thrusts was again pivotal to Geelong's cause in 2007. Scarlett won 349 disposals for the season, statistically his finest effort in a home and away period, eclipsing his All Australian seasons in 2003-04.

2007 Statistics: Matches (21), Scores (1.2), Kicks (236), Marks (96), Handballs (113), Average kicks (11.2), Handballs (5.4), Clearances (7), Inside 50s (25), Rebound 50s (97).

Darren Glass – West Coast

Previous All Australian years: 2006

AFTER claiming a premiership medallion, All Australian honours and a second placing in the club's best and fairest award in 2006, Glass backed up with another excellent year in the last line of the West Coast defence. Although he doesn't gain high disposal numbers, he regularly manages to stymie the opposition's best key forwards. He did, however, gain career-best figures (22 disposals) against Adelaide in round 13 this season.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (1.1), Kicks (85), Marks (76), Handballs (163), Average kicks (3.9), Average marks (3.5), Average handballs (7.4), Clearances (1), Inside 50s (3), Rebound 50s (30).

Darren Milburn – Geelong

Previous All Australian years: –

THE 30-year-old has been a model of consistency in recent years, having strung together 68 consecutive matches (including Geelong's qualifying final win) since round two 2005. 2007 was arguably his finest season to date. He amassed 494 disposals in the home and away season, statistically his best return in 11 senior AFL seasons. Milburn also achieved a career-best 33 disposals against Richmond in round 18. His disposal efficiency was also first rate throughout the season.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (5.8), Kicks (234), Marks (155), Handballs (260), Average kicks (10.6), Average marks (7.0), Average handballs (11.8), Clearances (15), Inside 50s (29), Rebound 50s (66).

Half Backs 

Andrew McLeod – Adelaide

Previous All Australian years: 1998, 2000, 2001, 2006

ONE of the greats of the modern era, McLeod had another cracking season sweeping off half-back. His ability to rebound and provide run-and-carry was yet again instrumental to Adelaide’s success. Statistically, he achieved his second-greatest AFL year (behind his 2001 season, when he finished runner-up to Jason Akermanis in the Brownlow Medal). McLeod amassed 538 disposals in the home and away season and was second only to Chad Cornes for the most effective kicks in the same period.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (6.5), Kicks (367), Marks (81), Handballs (171), Average kicks (16.7), Average marks (3.7), Average handballs (7.8) Clearances (20), Inside 50s (76), Rebound 50s (106)

Matthew Egan – Geelong

Previous All Australian years: –

PRODUCED his best season yet, his third at the highest level, after being drafted at No.62 overall in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft. His recruitment came after he played in Geelong's 2004 VFL side. Egan's ability to hold down centre half-back in the awesome Geelong line-up allowed greater flexibility for defensive teammates Matthew Scarlett and Tom Harley. The only blemish to Egan's otherwise fine year was a foot injury sustained in round 22 against the Brisbane Lions. It remains to be seen if he will return in 2007.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (0.0), Kicks (115), Marks (79), Handballs (142), Average kicks (5.2), Average marks (3.6), Average handballs (6.5), Clearances (10), Inside 50s (10), Rebound 50s (46).

Campbell Brown – Hawthorn

Previous All Australian years: –

IN HIS sixth AFL season, Brown took his game to another level. For the majority of the year he held down a key defensive post, giving away enormous height and weight against some of the finest tall forwards in the game. Remarkably, Brown managed to defeat most of the best in the business. This was highlighted early in the season when he restricted Scott Lucas to just 10 touches and one goal. In the process, Brown accumulated 18 disposals. This performance typified his outstanding season.

2007 Statistics: Matches (21), Scores (4.3), Kicks (199), Marks (116), Handballs (108), Average kicks (9.5), Average marks (5.5), Average handballs (5.1), Clearances (6), Inside 50s (26), Rebound 50s (64).

Centres

Kane Cornes – Port Adelaide

Previous All Australian years: 2005

KANE Cornes could lay claim to being the most consistent player in the game, based on his stunning 2007 season. He won more disposals than any player in the home and away season, accumulating more than 600 touches. His ability to nullify the opposition's best midfielder and win a mountain of ball was best summed up against Hawthorn in round 20, one of the finest individual efforts of 2007. He won a career-best 38 disposals, kicked three goals and held Hawk ace Sam Mitchell to just 19 touches.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (9.9), Kicks (317), Marks (151), Handballs (296), Average kicks (14.4), Average marks (6.9), Average handballs (13.5), Clearances (61), Inside 50s (72), Rebound 50s (51).

Jimmy Bartel – Geelong

Previous All Australian years:  –

LIKE teammate Gary Ablett, Bartel jostled for the title as the game's best performer this season, and he too is among the leading Brownlow Medal contenders after an extraordinary year. He was among the competition's leading ball-winners for most of the home-and-away season until he missed the final two rounds after having his appendix removed. He still finished 12th overall with 545 touches. Bartel's 38-disposal performance against the Western Bulldogs in round 16 was a career-best.

2007 Statistics: Matches (20), Scores (15.8), Kicks (291), Marks (127), Handballs (254), Average kicks (14.6), Average marks (6.4), Average handballs (12.7), Clearances (77), Inside 50s (78), Rebound 50s (52).

Chad Cornes – Port Adelaide

Previous All Australian years: 2004

ARGUABLY the game's most versatile player, Chad Cornes also pressed his claims as the best player in 2007, making him a genuine Brownlow Medal prospect. His remarkable ability to play down back, in the midfield (where he spent most of the year) or up forward makes him a rare player indeed. This was highlighted by his ability to restrict Essendon great James Hird (round 12), win an equal career-best 34 touches against the Western Bulldogs (round 14) and kick a career-best six goals against Melbourne (round 17).

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (16.10), Kicks (380), Marks (159), Handballs (182), Average kicks (17.3), Average marks (7.2), Average handballs (8.3), Clearances (56), Inside 50s (99), Rebound 50s (82).

Half Forwards

Steve Johnson – Geelong

Previous All Australian years: –

ONE of the great stories of the season, Johnson's career was at the crossroads when he was suspended internally by the club for the first five rounds of the season due to an off-field incident. After returning to the senior side in round six, Johnson played the finest football of his career, displaying his exquisite talent with excellent consistency. He booted 41 goals during the home and away season and also had 25 goal assists.

2007 Statistics: Matches (17), Scores (41.29), Kicks (241), Marks (112), Handballs (68), Average kicks (14.2), Average marks (4.0), Average handballs (4.0), Clearances (14), Inside 50s (65), Rebound 50s (17).

Jonathan Brown – Brisbane Lions

Previous All Australian years:  –

THE Brisbane Lions co-captain finished the home-and-away season as arguably the game's best player after a scintillating second half of the year. Brown booted 51 goals from his final 10 rounds, including a career-best 10 goals against Carlton in round 16. Overall, the powerhouse forward booted 77 goals in 2007, netting him his first Coleman Medal. It was a remarkable performance from the triple premiership player, especially considering he has battled – and played with – some debilitating injuries in recent seasons.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (77.38), Kicks (239), Marks (195), Handballs (114), Average kicks (10.9), Average marks (8.9), Average handballs (5.2), Clearances (14), Inside 50s (59), Rebound 50s (2).

Brent Harvey – Kangaroos

Previous All Australian years: 2000, 2005

IN HIS 12th AFL season, and having already achieved more accolades than many in the game, Harvey produced his finest year in 2007. His season was of such a high standard that he is one of this year's favourites for the Brownlow Medal, having been among the Kangaroos' best almost every round. Either in the midfield or pushing up forward, Harvey has been a shining light. He accumulated 550 disposals – a career best – during the home and away season, and also booted 31 goals.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (31.15), Kicks (328), Marks (109), Handballs (222), Average kicks (14.9), Average marks (5.0), Average handballs (10.1), Clearances (48), Inside 50s (95), Rebound 50s (42).

Forwards

Brad Johnson – Western Bulldogs

Previous All Australian years: 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006 (captain)

ALTHOUGH the Bulldogs slipped down the ladder in 2007, Johnson's super consistency did not diminish. After booting 74 goals in 2006 – 70 during the home and away season – Johnson landed another 59 majors this year. His eight-goal haul against Geelong in the opening round of the season was a career-best return. His efforts this year were made more remarkable effort by the fact that he often played a lone hand up forward, and he stands at just 182cm.

2007 Statistics: Matches (21), Scores (59.26), Kicks (292), Marks (165), Handballs (114), Average kicks (13.9), Marks (7.9), Handballs (5.4), Clearances (16), Inside 50s (64), Rebound 50s (19).

Matthew Pavlich – Fremantle

Previous All Australian years: – 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006

ONE of the game elite players, Pavlich had another brilliant season in an otherwise up-and-down Fremantle year. Despite fluctuation in the fortunes of the Dockers, Pavlich maintained a very high level of consistency in 2007. He booted 72 goals for the season, a personal best and second to only Jonathan Brown in the Coleman Medal. Pavlich was the only player in the home and away season to take more than 200 marks. His round 19 effort of six goals and 30 disposals against Essendon was one of the best individual performances of 2007. 

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (72.48), Kicks (298), Marks (203), Handballs (83), Average kicks (13.5), Average marks (9.2), Average handballs (3.8), Clearances (11), Inside 50s (88), Rebound 50s (8).

Cameron Mooney – Geelong

Previous All Australian years: –

AFTER earning the unfortunate record of the most number of separate suspensions in one season – four in round seven, round 16, round 18 and rounds 21-22 last year – Mooney bounced back in 2007 with his finest AFL season to date. He booted 55 goals during the home and away season and many suggested his form in a key forward post made him Geelong's most important player in 2007. He continued to play with great passion, but focused all of his energies on Geelong's cause and reaped the rewards.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (55.34), Kicks (213), Marks (166), Handballs (80), Average kicks (9.7), Average marks (7.5), Average handballs (3.6), Clearances (0), Inside 50s (61), Rebound 50s (1).

Rucks 

Dean Cox – West Coast

Previous All Australian years: 2005, 2006

REGARDED by most as the finest ruckman in the game, Cox had another outstanding season on the back of his All Australian seasons in 2005-06. After some niggling quadriceps/back injuries early in the year, Cox blossomed in the second half of the 2007 season and was clearly the best-performed ruckman in the competition. He won 121 hit- outs to advantage during the home-and-away season, second only to Brendon Lade, while his ability to win the ball around the ground was again a feature of his play.

2007 Statistics: Matches (19), Scores (11.9), Kicks (203), Marks (136), Handballs (147), Average kicks (10.7), Average marks (7.2), Average handballs (7.7), Hit outs (439), Average hit outs (23.1), Clearances (44), Inside 50s (62), Rebound 50s (42).

Daniel Kerr – West Coast

Previous All Australian years:  –

NO player in the AFL started 2007 in better form than Kerr. The lightning-quick, super-skilled midfielder was dynamic in the opening round against Sydney, producing one of the best individual efforts of the year. In round two, he achieved career-best disposals (36) against Collingwood and after five matches had 144 touches to his name. Despite missing five rounds in the home and away season (three due to a couple of separate suspensions and two matches with a finger injury), he was still a dominant force in 2007.

2007 Statistics: Matches (17), Scores (8.11), Kicks (223), Marks (46), Handballs (238), Average kicks (13.1), Average marks (2.7), Average handballs (14.0), Clearances (89), Inside 50s (58), Rebound 50s (40).

Gary Ablett – Geelong

Previous All Australian years:  –

CLEARLY one of the game's best performers in 2007, Ablett is regarded by most as this year's Brownlow Medal favourite. In his finest season at AFL level, Ablett racked up 585 disposals in 22 rounds, second only to Kane Cornes. His 35 touches against the Brisbane Lions (round 12) and the Western Bulldogs (round 16) were career-best achievements. Ablett also booted 26 goals and led the AFL in inside 50s in the home and away season. His breakaway pace and dynamic skills were breathtaking.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (26.23), Kicks (315), Marks (87), Handballs (270), Average kicks (14.3), Average marks (4), Average handballs (12.3), Clearances (81), Inside 50s (130), Rebound 50s (47).

Interchange 

Brendon Lade – Port Adelaide

Previous All Australian years: 2006

ANOTHER first-class season, after gaining All Australian recognition in 2006. While Lade’s tally of disposals and goals was slightly down on last year, he bettered his hit-outs. Lade won the most hit-outs (469) during 2007, eight more than his nearest rival, and he also topped hit-outs to advantage, winning 132. Lade also moved to third position for the most number of AFL games played for Port Adelaide (193 before the preliminary final).

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (15.5), Kicks (181), Marks (113), Handballs (89), Average kicks (8.2), Average marks (5.1), Average handballs (4.0), Hit outs (469), Average hit outs (21.3), Clearances (51), Inside 50s (47), Rebound 50s (25).

Dustin Fletcher – Essendon

Previous All Australian years: 2000

ONE of the greatest key defenders of all-time, the 32-year-old had statistically his best AFL season since he made his debut way back in 1993. It was the fourth time in his 15-season career he has notched over 300 possessions, and he almost eclipsed the 400-disposal barrier this year, finishing with 394 touches. Fletcher topped the home and away season with the most rebound 50s with 130 – 15 more than his nearest rival. It capped off an outstanding year, highlighted by a great first half of his season.

2007 Statistics: Matches (19), Scores (3.2), Kicks (309), Marks (144), Handballs (85), Average kicks (16.3), Average marks (7.6), Average handballs (4.5), Clearances (6), Inside 50s (14), Rebound 50s (130).

Joel Corey – Geelong

Previous All Australian years:  –

ALTHOUGH overshadowed by midfield teammates Gary Ablett and Jimmy Bartel, the contribution from Corey towards Geelong's season cannot be underestimated. The 2005 Geelong best and fairest winner has had a very consistent year. His second half of the season, in particular, was among the best in the competition. Corey won 582 disposals – second only to Kane Cornes and Ablett – and finished with 117 clearances during the home and away season. Only Brett Kirk with 118 clearances had more.

2007 Statistics: Matches (22), Scores (7.9), Kicks (301), Marks (105), Handballs (281), Average kicks (13.7), Average marks (4.8), Average handballs (12.8), Clearances (117), Inside 50s (103), Rebound 50s (40)

Cameron Ling – Geelong

Previous All Australian years:  –

AFTER copping unfair criticism about his game last year (despite finishing fourth in the club's best and fairest award), Ling hit back in the best possible fashion with an outstanding season in 2007. He shut down some of the finest midfielders in the game and at the same time managed to collect solid numbers himself. His ability to also push forward and kick goals – he booted a super-efficient 27.4 in the home-and-away season –made his contribution to the Geelong line-up vital. 

2007 Statistics: Matches (21), Scores (27.4), Kicks (192), Marks (94), Handballs (225), Average kicks (9.1), Average marks (4.5), Average handballs (10.7), Clearances (45), Inside 50s (52), Rebound 50s (23).