Sturt and Eagles dominate selection for the Team of the Year squad

Sturt captain Zane Kirkwood has had another terrific season to head selection in the Team of the Year extended squad which will be trimmed to the placed 21 next week.

Sturt's Zane Kirkwood. Picture: Tom Huntley

LAST year’s grand finalists Sturt and Woodville-West Torrens have dominated selection for The Advertiser SANFL Team of the Year squad, with the two clubs supplying eight players each.

Star Double Blues midfielder Zane Kirkwood, who was honoured with the captaincy of the prestigious team last year, heads the list of nominations from the premiers named in the squad of 40. The final placed team of 21, as well as the coach, will be announced on September 19.

Sam Colquhoun has earned a spot in the extended squad in his first season with the Double Blues after being recruited from Port Adelaide, while team-mate Pat Wilson is among the new faces.

The Eagles’ candidates for the team include defender Luke Thompson, vice-captain of last year’s team, and small forward Jake Johansen, who has had a significant impact at Woodville Oval after moving from Glenelg this season.

Brett Eddy was named full forward last year after earning the Ken Farmer Medal at South Adelaide and is favoured to retain the position after repeating the medal triumph with Port this season.

Adelaide veteran Scott Thompson has been named in the squad along with fellow Crow Harrison Wigg. AFL-listed players eligible for the finals were considered for selection.

The improvement of Lewis Hender under North Adelaide coach Josh Carr has been recognised with his spot in the 40. He is the sole Rooster in the squad, while West Adelaide’s only player named is midfielder Kaine Stevens.