Three Suns have been named in the AFLW All Australian squad

The Suns AFLW team have capped off a magnificent debut season by having three players selected in the AFLW All Australian squad.

THE Suns AFLW team have capped off a magnificent debut season by having three players selected in the AFLW All Australian squad.

Fresh off becoming the first 2020 expansion side to make finals, midfielder Jamie Stanton, forward Kalinda Howarth and defender Jade Pregelj have all been recognised for their stellar efforts.

Pregelj is one of only three first year players, including St Kilda’s Georgia Patrikios and Caitlyn Greiser, to be named in the 40-person squad.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Jade Pregelj of the Suns kicks the ball during the 2020 AFLW Round 06 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Gold Coast Suns at Mineral Resources Park on March 15, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

After giving up footy for seven years to pursue her career, Pregelj didn’t miss a beat in her much hyped return and led the AFLW in intercept possessions and the Suns in rebound 50s.

Stanton took her game to another level in her first year at the Suns, leading the team in disposals, metres gained, contested possessions, clearances, kicks, score involvements and inside 50s.

FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Jamie Stanton of the Suns kicks the ball during the 2020 AFLW Semi Final match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Gold Coast Suns at Fremantle Oval on March 21, 2020 in Fremantle, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Howarth emerged as one of the league’s most prodigious talents this season, earning a Rising Star nomination after her three goal performance against Richmond.

FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Kalinda Howarth of the Suns in action during the 2020 AFLW Semi Final match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Gold Coast Suns at Fremantle Oval on March 21, 2020 in Fremantle, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

She finished the season with nine goals (5th overall in the AFLW and 1st for the Suns) but just as impressive is her ability to read the ball both in the air and once it hits the ground.

A final team of 21 players, including a captain and vice-captain, will be announced at the W Awards to be held at a later date.

The AFL confirmed this week they

are committed to celebrating the achievements of each club and individual, amid lingering coronavirus concerns, and the league is making final arrangements for the W Awards to go ahead.

The AFL Women’s Best and Fairest, NAB AFL Women’s Rising Star, AFL Women’s Leading Goalkicker Award, AFLW Mark of the Year, Coates Hire AFLW Goal of the Year and AFL Women’s All-Australian Team will all be presented at the AFLW awards.

Full squad

Adelaide Crows

Sarah Allan

Anne Hatchard

Ebony Marinoff

Brisbane Lions

Kate Lutkins

Emily Bates

Jesse Wardlaw

Sophie Conway

Carlton

Kerryn Harrington

Maddie Prespakis

Tayla Harris

Georgia Gee

Collingwood

Sharni Layton

Jaimee Lambert

Stacey Livingstone

Britt Bonnici

Brianna Davey

Fremantle

Kiara Bowers

Gemma Houghton

Sabreena Duffy

Ebony Antonio

Geelong Cats

Olivia Purcell

GWS Giants

Alyce Parker

Elle Bennetts

Gold Coast SUNS

Jamie Stanton

Kalinda Howarth

Jade Pregelj

Melbourne

Karen Paxman

Libby Birch

Daisy Pearce

Kate Hore

North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos

Emma Kearney

Jasmine Garner

Ash Riddell

Jenna Bruton

Richmond

Monique Conti

St Kilda

Georgia Patrikios

Caitlyn Greiser

West Coast Eagles

Dana Hooker

Western Bulldogs

Ellie Blackburn

Isabelle Huntington