2024 AFL All-Australian Squad Announcement Sparks Debate Over Notable Omissions

The Australian Football League (AFL) has recently unveiled its 40-player squad for the 2024 All-Australian team. This announcement has ignited discussions surrounding several prominent players who have notably been excluded from the squad.

Among the significant omissions is Matt Rowell from the Gold Coast Suns. Rowell ranks as the top player in the AFL Player Ratings not included in the squad, positioned at 11th overall. His impressive stats include a third-place finish in contested possessions and a first-place result in pressure acts. Despite his individual achievements, Rowell’s limited versatility has been cited as a potential reason for his absence from the squad.

Another standout not receiving recognition is Sam Flanders, who has been lauded for his breakout season. Ranking as the third-best medium defender, Flanders averaged 30.9 disposals per game. This performance surpassed that of several players selected in the squad, making his omission even more surprising.

Rowan Marshall, the ruckman for St Kilda, also missed out, with competitors such as Max Gawn and Darcy Cameron being favored instead. Marshall posted impressive stats, averaging 20.7 disposals and securing second place for marks per match among ruckmen.

Emerging forward Josh Treacy had a prolific season for the Dockers, scoring 45 goals in 20 matches, yet he too was left out of the squad. Additionally, Ben Keays from the Adelaide Crows has been recognized for his hard work, finishing the season with 34 goals but ultimately not garnering any recognition from the selectors.

Geelong‘s Gryan Miers garnered attention for his selfless play this year, ranking first among medium forwards for disposals; however, he was another notable exclusion. Long-standing All-Australian Tom Stewart found himself omitted after a strategic shift in his playing position throughout the season.

Tom Green of the GWS Giants also failed to secure a spot, despite being an essential contributor to his team’s success. Similarly, Connor Rozee from Port Adelaide and Hugh McCluggage from Brisbane were also overlooked despite their impactful performances.

The final All-Australian team is expected to be revealed during the AFL Awards night, with anticipation building regarding who will ultimately earn the prestigious honor.