By Natalee Kerr
Cats superstar Patrick Dangerfield has continued his stellar All Australian streak, claiming the prestigious honour for his seventh time.
Dangerfield earned his fifth consecutive selection and seventh overall – the most of any players featured in the side.
The half-forward was one of four Cats to secure a selection on Wednesday night.
Cats defender Tom Stewart earned a back-to-back blazer, while forward Tom Hawkins made his first team since 2012.
Young gun Tim Kelly also made his debut in the side, after recently claiming the 2019 AFLCA Best Young Player award.
Veteran Gary Ablett and defender Mark Blicavs failed to make the cut in the final team after being selected in the initial 40-man squad earlier this week.
Ablett would have been the first player in the game’s post-carnival era to earn nine All Australian selections had he made the 22-man honorary team.
The 35-year-old, who returned to the Cats on a two-year deal that finishes this year, downplayed suggestions this year could potentially be his final season with the Cats.
“It’s not something I’m thinking about too much,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
“I’m focused on this week and we’ll have some conversations at the end of the season.
“I’m really happy that I’ve been able to get out and play 21 games (this season) and hopefully plenty more.”
