We have two weeks remaining in the selection period for the Mongrel Punt All-Australian Team for 2024. At this point in the season, the team is pretty settled and there’s likely limited space for change. However, 2024 has been a wild ride and you never know what could happen late! The Prophet has been busy watching back the tapes, factoring in some statistics, consulting experts (The Mongrel Punt Team), and, utilising the esteemed eye test. So, what does the team look like?
I’m glad you’ve asked.
The AFL Team and their so-called expert panel who pick a team of midfielders, at the Mongrel Punt, we value players who are the role players, who excel at what they are picked to do, and celebrate those who dominate their position. So, I am endeavouring to pick players in the position they spend most of their time. Unlike the Australian T20 side where they picked on reputation over performance, this side is about who is shining in their position, and bringing balance to the force … well, the team as a whole.
Some players will inevitably miss out – especially midfielders. I may or may not justify my decisions, but know that I have picked this 23 and could have picked a second side with the names left out. Given we have nine remaining games, there are clear breakaways. The list of those who remain in the squad shortens every week, so, as I seek to bring the collective best 23, by position, at the conclusion of the 2024 season, I don’t foresee too many times when there are big changes to the team.
Here is what the team looked like at the culmination of Round Eighteen:
FB: Sam Collins Jacob Weitering Luke Ryan
HB: Jordan Clark Harris Andrews Nick Blakey
C: Errol Gulden Chad Warner Massimo D’Ambrosio
HF: Gryan Miers Ben King Dylan Moore
FF: Tyson Stengle Charlie Curnow Jake Waterman
Foll: Max Gawn Isaac Heeney Caleb Serong
Int: Dan Houston Marcus Bontempelli Patrick Cripps Jesse Hogan Zach Merrett
What has changed? Who is now more firmly entrenched? There have been a lot of compelling arguments about different players, and I even recognise that the first team was a little too midfielder-heavy, so, like Anakin was supposed to, I will endeavour to bring balance to the force.
I guess I should stop stalling and dragging this out. *cue drum roll* here’s the Mongrel Punt’s Rolling All-Australian Team following Round Twenty-Two.
FB: Sam Collins Jacob Weitering Jack Scrimshaw
HB: Jordan Clark Harris Andrews Dan Houston
C: Errol Gulden Marcus Bontempelli Massimo D’Ambrosio
HF: Gryan Miers Ben King Dylan Moore
FF: Tyson Stengle Jesse Hogan Jake Waterman
Foll: Tristan Xerri Isaac Heeney Caleb Serong
Int: Lachie Whitfield Lachie Neale Patrick Cripps Charlie Curnow Tom Stewart
Five new players enter the side, while Bont and Coleman Medal Winner Jesse Hogan enter the field of play from the bench
Some of these decisions may be controversial, and that’s okay. Defensively, Luke Ryan has been really solid for Fremantle all year. He is very unlucky to come out of the team. However, Jack Scrimshaw has been one of the big reasons the Hawks have made a late-season finals push. Not only has he been able to limit the output of his opponents, but he has also been a vital component in how the Hawks have moved the ball. We also see Dan Houston move onto a flank from the interchange, with the lizard, Nick Blakey, unfortunately losing his place to Lachie Whitfield. The Giant has been fantastic all year and deserves his spot.
In the middle, Bontempelli moves from the bench to starting centreman. Chad Warner has fallen victim to not much other than Lachie Neale being outstanding. The Chad has had a spot in this side on lock for much of the year, and Neale has probably been stiff to not make the side. In this iteration, it is the dual-Brownlow Medallist who sneaks in.
The only change-up forward is Charlie Curnow, thanks to his injury, shifting to the bench. And with Jesse Hogan leading the Coleman (even if I’ve already dubbed him the winner), he rightfully starts at full-forward. The only threat to Curnow’s place in the side is Jeremy Cameron. If Curnow misses the last two games and Cameron’s goal tally surpasses that of Curnow, then that’s likely the trigger point.
Arguably the most controversial decision is removing Max Gawn. I’m a big fan of what Max does on the field. He can have an impact at stoppage, but also at both ends of the ground. He is the quintessential ruckman for 2024 in that he has strings added to his bow. However, with all that said, Tristan Xerri has had a phenomenal season. We have previously seen glimpses of the impact that he can have, but never has he put it together for a whole season like he has in 2024. He doesn’t just win hitouts, but clearances as well, while also applying great pressure on opponents. He may not be the most aesthetically pleasing ruckman (if there is such a thing) in terms of disposal, but he is undeniably effective. I do not regret this decision.
The last change is with the sub. Zach Merrett can consider himself very unlucky. However, the form resurgence of Tom Stewart and the added flexibility that now resides in his game makes him hard to ignore. Starting in centre bounces, and then sitting behind the play, Stewart has found a way to overcome the tags he was receiving and is having a great back part of the season. He is a big reason that the Cats have been able to re-find their form and not be bullied around the ball as much as earlier in the season.
The Remaining Possibles:
Max Gawn.
Jeremy Cameron.
Luke Ryan.
Nick Daicos.
Realistically, those four have the best opportunity to either come into or re-enter the team in the final two rounds. Zach Merrett and Chad Warner are probably in the mix as well. All have cases to be made for their addition to the team, while also can be justifiably left out.
Two weeks remain. Does this team remain unchanged, or does someone sneak in? It’ll be a fascinating watch over the final 18 games.
Let us know your team, or who you’d replace and why – don’t just blindly change it because someone in your team wasn’t picked.
Stay tuned for more from The Mongrel Punt, and for additional reasons to tell me I must not watch footy because you don’t like the team I’ve selected.
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