Man of Steele: St Kilda captain Jack Steele is a two-time All-Australian

The Belconnen junior has continued to stake his claim as one of the game's top midfielders after being named on the interchange for the AFL's All-Australian team.

Steele joins the likes of Saints greats Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt and Nathan Burke with multiple All-Australian honours.

The 25-year-old averaged a career-best 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight tackles and six clearances throughout 2021 and is expected to poll well in the Brownlow Medal count.

Minor premiers Melbourne headline the All-Australian team, with five Demons players slotting into the AFL's best 22 and ruckman Max Gawn named captain on a golden night for his club.

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Gawn collected his fourth straight All-Australian blazer, and fifth overall, as he prepares to steer the Demons in search of their first flag since 1964.

Demons star Steven May was named fullback for the first time, joined by teammate and fellow All-Australian debutant Jake Lever in a back-pocket. Brownlow Medal fancies Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca were Melbourne's other representatives.

Only seven players - Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Hawkins, Jack Macrae, Naitanui, Petracca, Gawn and Steele - retained their spot from last year's team with 11 debutants named.

Port Adelaide's Aliir Aliir became the first South Sudanese player to make the team, selected at centre-half-back in his first season with the Power after crossing from Sydney at the end of last year.

Coleman medallist Harry McKay was named at full-forward, while his young Carlton teammate Sam Walsh and Port midfield bull Ollie Wines earned their first All-Australian blazers.

Brisbane veteran Daniel Rich was the Lions' sole representative, making the team for the first time in his 13th AFL season.

West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui, Gold Coast midfielder Touk Miller and Essendon's Darcy Parish, who enjoyed a breakout season, were worthy inclusions on the bench.

With AAP.

THE 2021 ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM:

B: J Lever (Melb), S May (Melb), T Stewart (Geel)

HB: D Rich (BL), A Aliir (Port), B Dale (Dogs)

C: Z Merrett (Ess), O Wines (Port), S Walsh (Carl)

HF: C Petracca (Melb), T Hawkins (Geel), M Bontempelli (Dogs, VC)

F: T Papley (Swans), H McKay (Carl), T Greene (GWS)

Ruck: M Gawn (Melb, capt), J Macrae (Dogs), C Oliver (Melb)

IC: J Steele (St K), N Naitanui (WCE), T Miller (Suns), D Parish (Ess)

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