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The All-Australian team is named at the conclusion of each AFL season, and is comprised of (theoretically) a complete team of the best-performed players during the season, including interchange players and a coach. In its current form the All-Australian team has been named each year since 1991. Previously, between 1953 and 1988 the AA team was comprised of the best players from the Australian Football Carnival or State of Origin Carnival.
The All-Australian team is ceremonial and does not play, although on occasion AA selection has been used as one criteria for selection in the Australian side in International Rules matches against Ireland.
Honour Board
VFL Team of the Year
Prior to 1991, the VFL Team of the Year was announced, consisting of the best-performed players during the VFL season.
| Year | Players | |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Chris Lewis | John Worsfold |
| 1989 | Guy McKenna | |
| 1988 | John Worsfold | |
| 1987 | Ross Glendinning |
Most selections
6: Ben Cousins, Dean Cox
5: Peter Matera
4: Darren Glass, Jeremy McGovern
3: Guy McKenna (plus one VFL TotY), Josh Kennedy
2: Glen Jakovich, Chris Mainwaring, Chris Judd, Andrew Gaff, Shannon Hurn, Elliot Yeo (John Worsfold had two VFL TotY selections)
Controversies
In 1999, full forward Scott Cummings was overlooked despite winning the Coleman Medal as the league's leading goalscorer.
In 2004, goalsneak Phil Matera was left out despite kicking more goals (61) than any other small forward, with key forward Barry Hall named in one pocket and midfielder Luke Power in the other.
In 2009, forward Mark LeCras was overlooked in favour of Collingwood's Leon Davis, despite kicking 58 goals to Davis' 34.
In 2014, midfielder Matt Priddis won the Brownlow Medal but was left out of the All-Australian side, which was named the week before the Brownlow count. The last Brownlow Medalist to miss selection was Melbourne's Shane Woewodin in 2000. Fullback Eric MacKenzie also missed selection, with Richmond's Alex Rance (son of former Eagles captain Murray) preferred as a key defender despite missing the first five rounds of the season.