FIVE star Hawks are in contention to be named in the All Australian team, when it is announced tonight at the Royan Exhibition Building.
The All Australian selection panel met on 3 September to confirm the squad, with Lance Franklin, Josh Gibson, Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Jarryd Roughead all named.
If selected, it will be the first time both Roughead and Gibson have achieved All Australian honours, just reward for their outstanding seasons in brown and gold.
Having won the 2013 Coleman Medal as the AFL’s leading goal kicker, Roughead is best placed to be named at full forward in the team based on the history of previous All Australian sides.
The Hawks forward has kicked 68 goals in 22 matches this season and finished two goals clear of Collingwood’s Travis Cloke in the race for the Coleman.
He averaged 3.09 goals per game, 16.3 disposals and 4.6 marks per game but illustrating his versatility, also averaged 2.4 clearances.
Gibson played 21 of a possible 22 games during the home and away season and after being overlooked last year, has earned his chance this year to be named in the team.
Since crossing from North Melbourne at the end of the 2009 season, Gibson has become one of Hawthorn’s most consistent and reliable defenders and one of the best spoilers in the game.
He has also made a name for himself as one of Hawthorn’s most courageous players, showing no concern for his own safety – a fact best illustrated in a sickening collision in which he landed heavily on his neck in Round 14 against Brisbane but played out the rest of the game.
Franklin could add to his four All Australian guernsey with selection in this year’s team after earning a place in the 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012 sides.
The Hawks star has booted 55 goals in 19 matches this season, including an eight-goal haul against the Bombers in Round 18 at Etihad Stadium.
He finished fifth on the AFL’s goal kicking leader board, averaging 2.8 goals per game despite playing more up the field this season.
He also averaged 15.3 disposals, 4.0 marks, 2.4 tackles and 3.1 inside 50s per game.
The inspirational Hawthorn skipper, Hodge proved his critics wrong this season, after many doubted his ability to be a valuable contributor for Hawthorn in 2013 after an injury-plagued season in 2012.
Hodge missed the Round 1 loss to Geelong but put in two consecutive best on ground performances against West Coast in Round 2 and Collingwood in Round 3 – announcing that he is still a vital player and a star of the AFL.
He has played in the midfield and down back this season and consistently been named amongst Hawthorn’s best players with his courage and attack on the footy never wavering.
Selection in the 2013 All Australian team would be the fourth time achieving the honour after being named in the 2005, 2008 and was named captain of the 2010 team.
Unbelievably, if Mitchell is selected in the 2013 All Australian team, it would be just the second time he has won a place in the side.
Despite winning four club best and fairest awards, Mitchell has been All Australian just once, in 2011.
He was overlooked in 2012 despite being a joint runner up in the Brownlow Medal.
The star midfielder had played a different role this season, being used across half back by Coach, Alastair Clarkson.
It has been a luxury for the Hawks to use the star onballer in defence, with running defender Grant Birchall and Matt Suckling spending extended periods on the sidelines.
Mitchell still has managed to average 28.3 disposals in season 2013 – the seventh best in the AFL.
He has also averaged 4.2 clearances, 3.38 inside 50s, 3.1 tackles and 2.9 rebound 50s in 21 games this year.
The selection panel is Andrew Demetriou (chairman), Kevin Bartlett, Luke Darcy, Mark Evans, Danny Frawley, Glen Jakovich, Cameron Ling and Mark Ricciuto.
