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
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] The AFL named Gawn captain of the 2026 side, a role he has held across multiple seasons.[1]
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]
Adelaide captain Jordan Dawson was named vice-captain of the All-Australian team.[3]
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]
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]
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]
Fremantle placed five players in the final 23 from a squad of eight nominees, the strongest club return of the night.[4] 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] The Brownlow Medal count is the next major individual honour on the AFL calendar.
SOURCES & CITATIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many All-Australian blazers does Max Gawn now hold?
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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.
