AFL: Taylor misses All-Australian squad as Viney, Sicily, Walker eye first blazer

Dustin Martin’s scintillating form has the Tiger on the cusp of a fifth All-Australian blazer as a star key defender misses the cut.

Dustin Martin is in line for All-Australian selection for the first time since 2020. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

Dustin Martin is poised to earn his first All-Australian blazer since 2020 after the Richmond star was named in the 44-man squad for the 2023 side.

Martin’s selection comes off the back of stellar form, particularly in the second half of the season, as he closes in on a fifth AA selection on a half-forward flank, likely alongside Melbourne selection Christian Petracca.

Petracca’s teammate Jack Viney is the only other player nominated from the fourth-placed Demons and appears a strong chance to earn his maiden selection in the side.

Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney has been named in the 44-man All-Australian squad, with the team to be announced on Wednesday. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

Carlton fullback Jacob Weitering’s impressive finish to the season has put him in the frame to earn selection for the first time, which may have come at the expense of GWS star Sam Taylor, who was restricted to 15 games due to hamstring injuries.

Hawthorn captain James Sicily’s 19 games were enough to earn him selection in the squad among a host of players gunning for their first honour, including Collingwood defender Isaac Quaynor, St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall and young key forwards Nick Larkey (North Melbourne) and Oscar Allen (West Coast).

Fremantle recruit Luke Jackson has been recognised for his terrific form with one of the three ruck spots in the squad, along with Marshall and favourite to assume the No. 1 role in the side, Tim English.

It is the first time all 18 clubs have been represented in a preliminary All-Australian squad.

The 2023 selection panel was chaired by Gillon McLachlan and featured Eddie Betts, Jude Bolton, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, Andrew Dillon, Glen Jakovich, Laura Kane, Cameron Ling and Matthew Pavlich.