Max Gawn, the towering ruckman from Melbourne, has highlighted his position as the premier ruckman of the modern era by receiving an exceptional ninth All-Australian blazer after yet another outstanding individual season.
Gawn was appointed captain of the representative team, which also included his Demons teammate Kysaiah Pickett, among a historic five Indigenous players selected.
Minor premiers Fremantle topped the league with five selections, led by key forward Josh Treacy, who is among nine players recognized for the first time.
This record-breaking ninth selection for Gawn comes as the 34-year-old star adapts to changes in ruck regulations while continuing to assert his dominance in the competition.
With this latest honor, Gawn surpasses legends such as Gary Ablett Snr, Gary Ablett Jnr, Patrick Dangerfield, Lance Franklin, Robert Harvey, and Mark Ricciuto, all of whom have eight blazers. Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli was also included in that distinguished group.
Expressing his gratitude, Gawn stated that he feels “It’s all about being the best version of yourself,” to have had the late Jim Stynes as a mentor, acknowledging the significant impact of Stynes on his journey to greatness.
“It’s hard enough playing footy out there at the MCG trying to not be someone that you are. So to have that in the back of my mind every time I get on the ground allows me to be me.” Gawn shared during the awards ceremony at Melbourne’s Centrepiece on Tuesday night. “I listened to Kingy last week – I don’t know if this footy club would be where we are right now if it wasn’t for Max,”
Melbourne’s coach, Steven King, praised Gawn as an “Everything we’ve been through, he stood tall. He spoke to you guys in the media when the times have been the toughest at this club. “He was here when we were beaten by Geelong by 200 points or whatever it was down the road [in 2011] and then he’s obviously won the flag [in 2021]. He’s 34, and when we need him, he’s at his best. It’s all about being the best version of yourself.” while his teammates recognized his substantial contributions to the club.
Demons forward Bayley Fritsch remarked, “I listened to Kingy last week – I don’t know if this footy club would be where we are right now if it wasn’t for Max. Everything we’ve been through, he stood tall. He spoke to you guys in the media when the times have been the toughest at this club.
“It’s a nightmare to play against him and it’s unreal to rove to him. He’s clearly the best ruckman of all-time for a reason and certainly deserves a ninth jacket.”
Melbourne midfielder and former St Kilda captain Jack Steele commented, “It’s a nightmare to play against him and it’s unreal to rove to him. He’s clearly the best ruckman of all-time for a reason and certainly deserves a ninth jacket.”
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson was named vice-captain after having an impressive individual season despite facing personal challenges, including the passing of his elder brother Jaryd in April. Dawson joins Gawn, Bontempelli, and Brownlow medal contender Nick Daicos in the midfield lineup.
Treacy was selected alongside fellow first-time honorees Luke Jackson and Murphy Reid, while Shai Bolton and Jordan Clark rounded out the Dockers’ leading five selections. Reigning champions Brisbane were the only other team with more than two players recognized, with Harris Andrews, Zac Bailey, and rising star Logan Morris making the list.
Charlie Curnow, who won the Coleman Medal, was the sole representative from the struggling Sydney team. The Swans faced disciplinary issues, suspending five players who were subsequently ineligible for All-Australian selection, including stars Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, and Nick Blakey.
Ten players retained their All-Australian spots from the previous year, including St Kilda playmaker Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Geelong star Bailey Smith.
