All-Australian selector Abbey Holmes explains St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall’s snub

When the 44-man All-Australian squad was released, St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall was a notable omission. Now, one of this year’s selectors has explained why he missed out.

All-Australian selector Abbey Holmes has delved into the reasoning behind St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall’s controversial snub from this year’s 44-man squad.

Ahead of the final team being unveiled on Thursday night, Holmes said Marshall had been the player she had “got the most feedback on” since the squad was released.

While one of Max Gawn and Tristan Xerri is favoured to be named ruckman in the All-Australian team, Marshall was overlooked for Collingwood’s Darcy Cameron.

REVEALED: MARK ROBINSON’S ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM

“It’s always topic isn’t it when that All-Australian squad drops? Everybody has got their opinion on who is stiff not to make the squad,” Holmes said on the Footy Talk podcast.

“From a selectors point of view it is so challenging because we have had so many strong performers this year and we have ultimately got to fit them all into a 44-man squad, which is a challenge.”

Rowan Marshall missed out on the All-Australian squad. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Marshall was battling for the third ruck spot with Darcy Cameron. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

I may be biased but Rowan Marshall missing out on the AA squad while Darcy Cameron gets a nod boggles the mind.

— Mitch 'Red' Datson (@Mitch_Datson) August 26, 2024

Darcy Cameron over Rowan Marshall, i'm sure that'll go down well (it's the right choice though) https://t.co/tvs2WdUeuP

— Gordon (@beetgordon_) August 26, 2024

Holmes said Marshall’s name was “absolutely” discussed by the All-Australian selection panel, which includes AFL boss Andrew Dillon, football boss Laura Kane and past players such as Eddie Betts, Nathan Buckley and Kane Cornes.

“Unfortunately we have only got 44 numbers and Max Gawn is in the squad, Tristan Xerri — what he’s done this season you can’t argue with,” she said.

“And then Darcy Cameron, what a season he’s put together at the Collingwood Football Club as well. There’s always going to be some hardluck stories. But yeah, Rowan Marshall is probably the one that we did get the most feedback on.”

The All-Australian team will be named on Thursday night at this year’s AFL Awards.

Originally published as All-Australian selector Abbey Holmes explains St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall’s snub