> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.bushletter.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Gawn wins a record ninth All Australian blazer and the captaincy - URL: https://www.bushletter.com/gawn-wins-record-ninth-all-australian-blazer-named-captain/ - Published: 2026-08-27T21:45:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-27T21:44:59.000Z - Description: Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn collected his ninth All-Australian blazer on Tuesday night, setting the all-time record for selections in the award's history. The AFL named Gawn captain of the 2026 side, a role he has held across multiple seasons. - Author: Editor - Tags: Sport, Australia, Max Gawn ![Caleb Reed](https://res.cloudinary.com/dz77sb7j1/image/upload/v1774262572/bushletter/authors/caleb-reed.png) By **Caleb Reed** ยท 2026-08-27 TLDR Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn claimed his ninth All-Australian blazer on Tuesday night, breaking his own record as the most-selected player in the award's history. Nine players earned their first blazer, including 20-year-old Murphy Reid, the youngest selection since 1994, while a record five Indigenous players were named in the final 23. KEY TAKEAWAYS 01Gawn's ninth blazer is the most any player has received since the All-Australian award began. 02Murphy Reid, aged 20, becomes the sixth second-year player named All-Australian in the 18-team era. 03A record five Indigenous players were selected: Milera, Impey, Pickett, Wanganeen-Milera and Bolton. 04Five of Fremantle's eight squad nominees made the final 23, reinforcing their minor-premier credentials. 05Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson was named vice-captain of the 2026 All-Australian side. ## Gawn breaks his own record with ninth blazer Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn collected his ninth All-Australian blazer on Tuesday night, setting the all-time record for selections in the award's history.[\[2\]](https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2112666/all-australian-team-gawn-makes-history?ref=bushletter.com) The AFL named Gawn captain of the 2026 side, a role he has held across multiple seasons.[\[1\]](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1594996?ref=bushletter.com) Gawn said his approach had not changed. "It's all about being the best version of yourself," he said. "So to have that in the back of my mind every time I get on the ground allows me to be me."[\[1\]](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1594996?ref=bushletter.com) Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson was named vice-captain of the All-Australian team.[\[3\]](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1595162/2026-afl-all-australian-team-unveiled?ref=bushletter.com) ## Nine first-timers, a youngest since 1994 Nine players earned their maiden blazer: Wayne Milera, Logan Morris, Luke Jackson, Murphy Reid, Josh Treacy, Oliver Dempsey, Lachie Ash, Jarman Impey and Nick Watson.[\[3\]](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1595162/2026-afl-all-australian-team-unveiled?ref=bushletter.com) At 20 years and 24 days, Murphy Reid is the youngest All-Australian since 1994 and the sixth second-year player named in the 18-team era.[\[1\]](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1594996?ref=bushletter.com) ## Record Indigenous representation A record five Indigenous players were named in the final 23: Wayne Milera, Jarman Impey, Kysaiah Pickett, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Shai Bolton.[\[1\]](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1594996?ref=bushletter.com) Fremantle placed five players in the final 23 from a squad of eight nominees, the strongest club return of the night.[\[4\]](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1594942/squad-of-46-for-2026-all-australian-team-named?ref=bushletter.com) The Dockers carry minor-premier standing into the finals series. Under AFL regulations, the All-Australian Selection Committee meets following the completion of home-and-away matches to choose the team.[\[5\]](https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2026/02/13/54c158af-15e9-483b-a195-62a0f4e33b11/AFL-Regulations-Final-11-February-2026-.pdf?ref=bushletter.com) The Brownlow Medal count is the next major individual honour on the AFL calendar. SOURCES & CITATIONS 1. [Max Gawn named All-Australian captain](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1594996?ref=bushletter.com) 2. [All-Australian team: Gawn makes history](https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2112666/all-australian-team-gawn-makes-history?ref=bushletter.com) 3. [2026 AFL All-Australian team unveiled](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1595162/2026-afl-all-australian-team-unveiled?ref=bushletter.com) 4. [Squad of 46 for 2026 All-Australian team named](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1594942/squad-of-46-for-2026-all-australian-team-named?ref=bushletter.com) 5. [AFL Regulations February 2026](https://resources.afl.com.au/afl/document/2026/02/13/54c158af-15e9-483b-a195-62a0f4e33b11/AFL-Regulations-Final-11-February-2026-.pdf?ref=bushletter.com) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How many All-Australian blazers does Max Gawn now hold? Gawn holds nine All-Australian blazers, the most of any player in the award's history. Who is the youngest player named All-Australian in 2026? Murphy Reid, aged 20 years and 24 days, is the youngest All-Australian since 1994 and the sixth second-year player selected in the 18-team era. Which club had the most players named in the 2026 All-Australian team? Fremantle had five players named in the final 23, from a squad of eight nominees, the most of any club. ![Caleb Reed](https://res.cloudinary.com/dz77sb7j1/image/upload/v1774262572/bushletter/authors/caleb-reed.png) [Caleb Reed](https://bushletter.com/author/caleb-reed/?ref=bushletter.com) Caleb Reed covers breaking news and sport. He works to the rhythm of a story as it unfolds, and he is happiest when the facts arrive faster than anyone can spin them.