Similarly,Patrick Cripps was named in the AFL team of the year for a third time and was made vice-captain in 2022 in recognition for his important efforts in driving Carlton to the cusp of a much-awaited finals appearance.
Melbourne skipper Max Gawn was named as first ruck while versatile Cat Mark Blicavs was named on the bench to support Gawn in a team that,in theory,is picked with team balance in mind.
Hawkins,star Melbourne defender Steven May,his Demons teammates Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca,Geelong backman Tom Stewart and Gold Coast midfielder Touk Miller were the others to back up from 2021.
Despite the stack of debutants in the team – including the entire half-back line and the two forward pockets – the squad shapes as classy and talent-driven.
Stewart and May were named on the last line of defence alongside Collingwood’s run-and-gun backman Brayden Maynard,who may have pencilled in his selection withhis game against Carlton at the MCG last Saturday.