The All-Australian team is (usually) comprised of the best 22 players each season. With a league littered with stars, every season a few unlucky players are left off the list. While not all snubs are as egregious as Brownlow Medal-winning pait Shane Woewoden and Matthew Priddis, there are some excellent performances that have been left out of the team.

Some players are disappointed for missing out on one standout season. While others have had a whole career of missing the cut for the All-Australian team.

We take a look at six players who have had exceptional careers, filled with accomplishments and accolades, and despite those careers, only one thing has eluded them... an All-Australian selection.

3. Luke Shuey

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Luke Shuey of the Eagles celebrates the winning goal during the AFL First Elimination Final match between Port Adelaide Power and West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on September 9, 2017, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)

West Coast Eagles skipper Luke Shuey has been one of the club's best players over the past decade. He has been a consistent presence in the Eagles midfield playing at an elite level since his second season. The only two years that Shuey hasnโ€™t averaged more than 20 disposals were in his debut season (17.67) and in the shortened matches in 2020 (18.92). He also ranks seventh among all West Coast Eagles players in total Brownlow votes with 91 over the course of his career.

Shuey is best remembered for his performance in the 2018 Grand Final. His 34 disposals and one goal earned him the Norm Smith Medal. By doing so, he joins the list of four players who have won a Norm Smith but have not been selected for the All-Australian team. This only includes winners since 1991, which was when the All-Australian team was created. Jason Johannisen, Andrew Embley and Shaun Hart are the other players on that list.

Throughout his career, he is a two-time best and fairest winner (2016,2019). Teammates Jeremy McGovern and Josh Kennedy were both selected in the 2016 team, whileย McGovern, Shannon Hurn, Jack Darling and Elliot Yeo were also selected in 2019. He was selected for the 40-man squad in both seasons but didnโ€™t make the final team. He also made the 2017 International Rules team, which was the last time the series against Ireland was played.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Luke Shuey of the Eagles looks to pass the ball during the Round 6 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on April 29, 2018, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

After being made captain in 2020, injuries have started to amount for Shuey. He has only managed 20 games in the past two seasons. The pre-season was looking solid for Shuey until he suffered another leg injury in training. A timetable for his return is yet to be announced.

Injuries aside, Shuey also has major competition for a place on the All-Australian team. He hasnโ€™t been able to play at an elite level since 2019.

Even if he could regain that form, midfield talent has significantly increased around the league. Players such as Christian Petracca, Ollie Wines, Jack Macrae, Marcus Bontempelli, Clayton Oliver, Jack Steele and Touk Miller were all selected for last year's team. High-level players such as Jacob Hopper, Tom Mitchell, Dayne Zorko, Jarryd Lyons and Rory Laird all made the 40-man squad.

Injury concerns, turning 32 throughout the season and the depth of midfield talent around the league will impede Shueyโ€™s chances for a maiden All-Australian selection.