AFLW 2022: Brisbane dominates All-Australian squad

The next generation of stars have been recognised in the All-Australian squad, with some well-known names also included.

Charlie Rowbottom of the Suns (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Brisbane’s dominance in the 2022 AFLW season stood out in the 42-player All-Australian squad with six Lions selected, including captain Bre Koenen for the first time.

Lions star and reigning AFLW best and fairest winner Emily Bates is the glaring omission from the squad which shows evidence of the fast development of the next generation of players with 17 first-time inclusions, including Gold Coast’s former No.1 draft pick Charlie Rowbottom.

But the established stars were also present with Western Bulldogs gun Ellie Blackburn, North Melbourne mainstay Emma Kearney and Adelaide premiership winner Ebony Marinoff becoming the only players to be in the squad for all seven AFLW seasons.

Essendon was the only expansion side with players represented, as co-captain Bonnie Toogood and former competition best and fairest Maddy Prespakis were both named.

Prespakis’ younger sister, Geelong gun Georgie, who finished equal runner-up in the AFL Coaches’ Association Champion Player of the Year award in just her second season, has also earnt her first squad selection.

Hawthorn, Sydney and Port Adelaide, who won just four games between them in their debut seasons, didn’t have any players included in the squad.

Georgie Prespakis’ rise continues. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The eight finalists made up the bulk of the numbers, accounting for 31 of the 42 players.

Star goalkicker Tayla Harris is eyeing off a fifth All-Australian gong, including her second in the past two seasons after crossing to Melbourne. while Demons midfield machine Karen Paxman is aiming for a sixth selection.

North Melbourne star Jas Garner, this season‘s AFLCA Champion Player of the Year is gunning for a fifth selection.

Collingwood star Chloe Molloy, who has been named an All-Australian forward and defender, could this season be picked as a midfielder, testament to her superstar versatility.

Triple Richmond best-and-fairest winner Monique Conti is gunning for a fourth All-Australian gong as one of four Tigers included.

Brisbane forward Jesse Wardlaw, who led the competition with 22 goals this season, is a lock for the team after being added to the squad for a second time.

A final team of 21 players, including a captain and vice-captain, will be announced at the W Awards on Tuesday, November 22, ahead of the grand final.

Jesse Wardlaw is a lock for the team. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

42-PLAYER AFLW ALL-AUSTRALIAN SQUAD

Adelaide: Chelsea Biddell, Anne Hatchard, Ebony Marinoff, Chelsea Randall

Brisbane: Ally Anderson, Greta Bodey, Natalie Grider, Tahlia Hickie, Breanna Koenen, Jesse Wardlaw

Carlton: Vaomua Laloifi, Breann Moody

Collingwood: Jordyn Allen, Lauren Butler, Chloe Molloy

Essendon: Maddy Prespakis, Bonnie Toogood

Fremantle: Kiara Bowers

Geelong: Amy McDonald, Meghan McDonald, Georgie Prespakis, Chloe Scheer

Gold Coast: Charlie Rowbottom, Vivien Saad

Greater Western Sydney: Alyce Parker

Melbourne: Tayla Harris, Kate Hore, Karen Paxman, Olivia Purcell

North Melbourne: Jenna Bruton, Jasmine Garner, Emma Kearney

Richmond: Monique Conti, Ellie McKenzie, Eilish Sheerin, Courtney Wakefield

St Kilda: Bianca Jakobsson, Kate Shierlaw

West Coast: Emma Swanson

Western Bulldogs: Ellie Blackburn, Alice Edmonds, Katie Lynch