ONLY the AFL's finest footballers earn Virgin Australia AFL All Australian honours.

That was why the AFL introduced a 40-man All Australian squad in 2007, to recognise a larger pool of players. That fresh status highlighted how desperately and consistently close some came to the final 22, while others scaled the peak just once.

AFL.com.au looks back at players from both of those camps, as well as pondering who might be part of this year's team for the first time.

BRIDESMAIDS

Jack Gunston: The only footballer to make the preliminary All Australian squad three times without ever being in the final side. Gunston was a weapon in the Hawks' forward line in those seasons – kicking 58 goals in 2014, 57 in 2015 and 51 in 2016 – but couldn't crack it for a spot. Had a different role this year and ended in defence, but won't be in contention.

Sam Jacobs: One of 11 players – nine of them active – to twice be shortlisted for All Australian honours, only to fall short. This could be the season 'Sauce' sheds his bridesmaid tag, with the Crows ruckman enjoying another mighty campaign. Had 105 more hit-outs than anyone else in 2017 and will duke it out with Paddy Ryder, Matthew Kreuzer, Brodie Grundy and Ben McEvoy.

Rory Laird: Wins possessions for fun in his specialist attacking role off half-back. Racked up disposal averages of 24.4 and 27.4 in making the All Australian squad of 40 the past two seasons. That number is north of 30 this year, and he is short odds to be nominated again. Should go extremely close to being part of the back six in 2017.

Daniel Wells: Ever wonder why the Magpies took such a major punt on this silky ex-Kangaroo? It is easy to forget during Wells' injury stints how high quality he is. He played only 41 games across the past four seasons, but managed 21 and 22 matches, respectively, in 2011 and 2013 – and was on the All Australian shortlist on both occasions.

ONE-HIT WONDERS

David Mundy: One of Fremantle's best footballers, and he finally made the All Australian team in 2015 on his third time in the extended squad. Mundy deserved it, too, averaging almost 27 disposals a game (half of them contested) and more than seven clearances and five tackles. His best football looks behind him, but he's been a fine player.

Former Dockers skipper David Mundy made the All Australian team in 2015. Picture: AFL Photos

Will Minson: The ex-Bulldog had an unusual AFL journey, twice being chastised for controversial sledges and often having to play second fiddle to other ruckmen. But he was at the peak of his powers from 2012 to 2014, including earning All Australian honours in 2013. Averaged 39-plus hit-outs and almost 15 disposals that season to be recognised as the game's premier big man.

Dale Thomas: Then-St Kilda coach Ross Lyon asked whether the Pie-turned-Blue was the AFL's best player early in the 2011 season. The hype that generated didn't put off Thomas, who went on to claim his sole All Australian nod months later. The lightly framed dasher has fallen from grace since joining Carlton, but was a major reason Collingwood won the 2010 flag.

Phillip Matera: Younger brother of Wally and five-time All Australian Peter, who both also played for West Coast. Matera was a brilliant 171cm goalsneak who carried the Eagles' attack during a period they lacked tall timber. But never was he more prolific than in 2003, when he slotted 62 goals to place fifth in the Coleman Medal and receive an All Australian berth.

FIRST-TIMERS?

Josh Kelly: Rivals Marcus Bontempelli as the game's best young player, and is a good thing to earn his maiden All Australian selection this season. Took a big step forward last season, but has joined the elite in 2017 – averaging close to 30 touches, six-plus tackles and nearly five clearances. Boasts a splash of class, and has an army of suitors if he wants to leave the Giants.

Josh Kelly is a lock for All Australian after a stellar season. Picture: AFL Photos

Clayton Oliver: Only three teenagers have been All Australians, but the Demon - who turned 20 only last month - gave himself a chance with an impressive second season. Had no fewer than 24 possessions in any match, and added hefty clearance and tackle numbers. Players traditionally make the All Australian team after a second strong season, but Oliver should at least be part of the squad.

Jeremy Howe: Joined Collingwood, in part, to escape the backline and return to his forward roots. The competition's No.1 aerial act has instead become a star defender and intercept specialist who thrived despite the Magpies' tough 2017 campaign. Teams even went to the trouble of playing a defensive forward on Howe, such was his stunning impact.

Dayne Zorko: This do-it-all midfielder-forward simply must be in the 2017 All Australian team. Churns out numbers others can only dream about, and averaged 25 disposals, seven tackles and 1.6 goals in a career-best season. Perhaps only Brownlow Medal favourite Dustin Martin performed Zorko's role better, an incredible feat for a player in the bottom-placed side.