The All-Australian squad was released on Monday night, and to many fans' dismay, with some notable exclusions from the 44-man squad selected.
With only 22 spots available in the official All-Australian team, the 44-man squad allows the All-Australian panel to recognise honourable mentions before the final selections are locked in, and indirectly attempts to reduce the hysteria from AFL fans when their club favourite misses out.
Yet, there are always bound to be a few deserving players that get overlooked each year. But were they really stiff to miss? Let's analyse the stats of the biggest snubs of 2024's All-Australian squad to determine if their lack of selection was a mistake from the AA panel.
3. Sam Flanders
A breakout year from this Sun was unfortunately unrewarded with selection into the 44-man squad. Averaging the equal-second-most disposals in the league, Flanders recorded 30.9 per game this season.
Playing increasingly in the midfield, Flanders still averaged 4.8 intercept possessions this season too.
However, the All-Australian midfield is a near-impossible position to crack, with the likes of Patrick Cripps, Nick Daicos and Zach Merrett rightfully favourites heading into final selection. A position down in the backline would be more feasible, but Harry Sheezel and Dan Houston are among the names that stand in the way of Flanders' selection.
Sheezel averaged 29.8 disposals this season, as well as 3.7 intercepts, meaning Flanders takes the cake in those aspects. Flanders has been nearly equally as damaging in transition too, averaging six score involvements to Sheezel's 5.2, whilst recording 15 goal assists to Sheezel's 20.
Houston has played in defence more regularly than Flanders and Sheezel, hence his average of just 23 disposals per game. Houston averages the most intercepts out of the three, with 5.2 per game, as well as nearly five score involvements to boot.
Seemingly, Flanders was on the cusp of inclusion in the 44-man squad, however he slightly ranks below the defenders and midfielders chosen instead. Perhaps consecutive strong seasons and a firm position either in the midfield or down back is what is required for Flanders to earn recognition by the All-Australian panel.
