Jai Serong and Ethan Phillips have been named in the VFL Team of the Year squad after a strong season with the Box Hill Hawks.

The defensive duo are two of a 40-player squad in contention for the 2024 Smithy’s VFL Team of the Year.

Serong and Phillips have both appeared in 13 games at VFL-level for Box Hill this season, including the Elimination Final loss to Williamstown.

Serong has had a stellar season, utilising his speed and impressive ball use out of defence for Box Hill. He averaged 20.8 disposals, 7.2 marks and 6.8 rebound 50s across the season.

Phillips has been dominant defender in the VFL for many years, this being his first as an AFL-listed player. He has been strong for the Hawks on the last line of defence averaging 17.3 disposals, 10.2 marks and 7.9 intercepts for the year.

The final team will be named at the 2024 VFL and VFLW Awards on Monday, September 16.