All Australian Team 2025: Full Squad and Selectors Revealed

The AFL awards night in Melbourne delivered one of the most anticipated announcements of the season—and this year’s All-Australian team delivered both familiar names and fresh faces. Eleven players claimed their first-ever blazers, while a handful of veterans added yet another milestone to their decorated careers.

Announced: September 2025 · Panel Chair: Andrew Dillon · Team Size: 22 players · Key Selectors: Eddie Betts, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes · Source: AFL Official

Who made the All-Australian team in 2025?

The 2025 All-Australian team was unveiled on 25 September at the AFL Awards presentation in Melbourne, with the final 22-player roster representing the league’s standout performers from the season.

Full 22-player squad

Eleven players received their maiden All-Australian blazers in 2025, a significant influx of new talent into the prestigious team. First-time selections included Noah Anderson, Zac Bailey, Josh Battle, Jordan Clark, Hugh McCluggage, Kysaiah Pickett, Ed Richards, Matt Rowell, Bailey Smith, Riley Thilthorpe, and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera—all players who elevated their games to elite levels this season.

Nick Daicos retained his spot from the 2024 All-Australian team, marking his third consecutive selection. The Collingwood midfielder continued his remarkable consistency at the highest level. Similarly, Caleb Serong and Isaac Heeney each secured their third consecutive All-Australian honours, underlining their sustained excellence across multiple campaigns.

Vice-captain and key positions

Jeremy Cameron was named 2025 All-Australian captain, collecting his fifth All-Australian blazer. The key forward’s leadership was recognised alongside his exceptional goal-kicking and ground-ball contributions throughout the season. Jordan Dawson earned the vice-captaincy with his second selection, bringing leadership from the back half as an intercepting defender.

What is All-Australian squad?

The All-Australian team represents the best AFL players of the season, selected by an expert panel regardless of club affiliation. The concept dates back to the early days of the sport, evolving into the premier individual honour in Australian rules football.

Definition and history

The All-Australian team concept was first introduced in 1877, though the formal annual selection process as known today began in 1971. The panel evaluates players across all positions, considering both quantitative statistics and qualitative assessment of performance impact. Players can be selected in any position, not just their nominal role on the field.

The extended squad approach—where a larger pool is named before trimming to the final team—allows selectors to thoroughly evaluate all contenders before finalising selections.

Selection process

Before the final team was announced, an extended squad of 44 players was selected, with Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Western Bulldogs providing almost half of those named. The panel then conducted intensive review sessions before announcing the trimmed final team of 22 players, ensuring every position received thorough debate and evaluation.

What this means: The rigorous multi-stage selection process reflects the AFL’s commitment to identifying truly elite performers across all clubs.

Who chooses the All-Australian team?

The All-Australian selection panel comprises industry experts and former elite players, bringing diverse perspectives to the evaluation process. Andrew Dillon, AFL General Manager, chaired the 2025 panel, overseeing a comprehensive selection methodology.

2025 selection panel

The full 2025 selection panel included: Andrew Dillon (Chair), Eddie Betts, Jude Bolton, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, Abbey Holmes, Glen Jakovich, Laura Kane, and Matthew Pavlich. This mix combines recent playing experience with long-standing football knowledge, ensuring balanced assessment across all positions.

The panel reviews match vision, statistics, and peer evaluations throughout the season. Each member brings specific expertise—former forwards assess scoring contributions, while ex-defenders evaluate defensive efforts—creating a holistic selection process.

Chair and members

Nathan Buckley’s inclusion added particular relevance, given his own seven All-Australian selections matched Marcus Bontempelli’s 2025 tally. Wayne Carey and Stephen Silvagni also achieved seven selections, tying this remarkable milestone. The panel’s collective knowledge of elite performance provides authoritative foundation for team selection.

The pattern: Former players transitioning to selector roles bring credibility and recent playing experience to the evaluation process.

Did Nick Daicos make the All-Australian team?

Nick Daicos was retained in the 2025 All-Australian team, marking his third consecutive selection. The Collingwood midfielder continued his exceptional form, demonstrating the consistency required to maintain elite status across multiple seasons.

Daicos performance review

Daicos’ third consecutive selection reflects his sustained impact in the Collingwood engine room. His ability to accumulate disposals while creating scoring opportunities made him an invaluable asset throughout the season. The panel recognised his influence in big matches and his capacity to lift during critical moments.

Selection status

While Collingwood had only one player selected in the 2025 final team, the club received acknowledgment through Daicos’ continued presence among the league’s elite. His selection underscores individual excellence even when team success fluctuates.

The implication: Daicos’ repeated selection validates his standing as one of the competition’s premier midfielders despite Collingwood’s inconsistent season.

Did Zak Butters make the All-Australian team?

Based on the research notes available, Zak Butters was not listed among the confirmed first-time selections or retained players in the 2025 All-Australian team. His omission marks a notable exclusion from the extended squad’s final trimming.

Butters stats and case

Butters has been a consistent performer for Port Adelaide throughout his career, displaying elite skills in ball-winning and score creation. However, the panel’s final selections prioritised other midfielders, reflecting the competitive nature of the mid-season awards.

Final selection

The 2025 team featured Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs with three players each—the most from any club—demonstrating how team success can influence individual recognition. Players from dominant clubs naturally attract attention when their performances contribute to premiership pushes.

Club representation breakdown

The distribution of selections across AFL clubs reveals interesting patterns about team success and individual recognition in 2025. Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs led the way with three selections each, reflecting their deep finals runs.

The pattern confirms that players from clubs competing for premierships receive elevated scrutiny. Brisbane Lions and Western Bulldogs, both deep in the 2025 finals race, provided the most representatives to the final team.

2025 All-Australian first-time selections

Eleven players received their inaugural All-Australian blazers in 2025, marking significant career milestones and confirming their emergence as elite AFL performers.

• Noah Anderson — Gold Coast SUNS midfielder, recognised for ball-winning and decision-making
• Zac Bailey — Brisbane Lions forward, elite goal-kicking and pressure acts
• Josh Battle — St Kilda defender, consistent one-on-one performance
• Jordan Clark — Collingwood wingman, impressive ball use and speed
• — Brisbane Lions wingman, third time lucky after strong seasons
• Kysaiah Pickett — Melbourne small forward, pressure and scoring output
• Ed Richards — Western Bulldogs midfielder, versatility across multiple roles
• Matt Rowell — Gold Coast SUNS midfielder, resilience after injury setbacks
• Bailey Smith — Western Bulldogs midfielder, elite explosiveness and tackling
• Riley Thilthorpe — Adelaide Crows key forward, contested marking ability
• Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera — St Kilda wingman, creative ball use and dash

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