Max Gawn Makes History With Ninth All-Australian Blazer, Named Captain

Max Gawn etched his name into AFL history on Tuesday night, becoming the first player ever to earn nine All-Australian selections. The Melbourne captain, now 34, was also named captain of the 2026 All-Australian team for the second time, cementing his legacy as the league’s premier ruck. The 23-player squad was unveiled at the AFL Awards in Melbourne, with Fremantle leading all clubs with five selections and nine players earning their first blazers.

Gawn’s unprecedented ninth blazer

Max Gawn surpassed every other player in All-Australian history on Tuesday night. His nine selections now stand alone at the top of the honour roll. The 34-year-old has averaged a career-high 21 disposals and six clearances this season while maintaining four marks and 33 hitouts per game. Gawn was first selected in 2016 and has earned blazers in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 before this record ninth.

Fremantle dominates with five selections

Minor premier Fremantle had the largest contingent with five players selected to the All-Australian team. The Dockers included three first-time All-Australians: Josh Treacy, Murphy Reid, and Luke Jackson. At 20 years and 24 days, Reid became the youngest All-Australian since Robert Ricciuto in 1994. He is only the sixth second-year player to earn selection in the 18-team era, joining Chad Wingard, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Stewart, Tim Kelly, and Nick Daicos.

Nine debuts and notable selections

In total, nine players earned their first All-Australian blazers on Tuesday night. Hawthorn’s Jarman Impey and Nick Watson, Greater Western Sydney’s Lachie Ash, Adelaide’s Wayne Milera, Geelong’s Ollie Dempsey, and Brisbane’s Logan Morris all received their inaugural selections. Marcus Bontempelli claimed his eighth blazer, joining an exclusive group of seven players with eight or more selections. Collingwood’s Nick Daicos was selected for a fourth consecutive year, while Brisbane’s Harris Andrews earned his fourth selection.

Dawson named vice-captain after emotional speech

Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson was named vice-captain of the All-Australian team after delivering a powerful speech about mental health. Dawson lost his older brother Jaryd during the season but continued to lead the Crows through their campaign. Gawn immediately offered to relinquish the captaincy to Dawson, saying he wanted to get behind the Adelaide leader’s message about vulnerability and asking for help. Dawson also won the Robert Rose Most Courageous Player award and the AFLPA Best Captain honour.

Final Thoughts

Gawn’s ninth blazer and captaincy cement his status as the greatest All-Australian in league history. The 2026 team reflects emerging talent, with nine first-time selections and Fremantle’s dominance. Dawson’s vice-captaincy and mental health advocacy added emotional weight to Tuesday night’s awards.

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