Three GIANTS stars- including two first-timers- have been recognised for their stellar individual seasons, with Jesse Hogan, Brent Daniels and Lachie Whitfield all selected in the 2024 All-Australian squad.
His maiden selection in the All-Australian squad, Hogan’s inclusion comes as no surprise after a dominant 2024 campaign which saw the 29-year-old claim his first Coleman Medal with a career-high 69 majors across the season.
In pole position to claim his first All-Australian blazer on Thursday night, Hogan was the AFL’s most dominant force ahead of the footy in season 2024, finishing 11 goals clear of Jeremy Cameron in second place in the Coleman following a starring season in attack.
Hogan also finished the home and away season leading the AFL in both contested marks and marks inside 50, while also becoming the third-most accurate Coleman Medal winner in the past 23 years.
Named in the All-Australian squad for the second time, Whitfield is another GIANT in strong contention to make the final All-Australian side after another brilliant campaign which saw the dashing defender finish as the competition’s leading disposal getter.
Aiming for his second blazer following his selection in the 2018 All-Australian team, the two-time GIANTS’ club champion finished the season ranked elite for disposals, metres gained, marks and score involvements to cement himself as one of the competition’s most lethal weapons from defence.
Playing in all 23 games, the 30-year-old averaged a career-high 30.9 disposals to go along with 7.3 marks, 5.8 rebound 50s and 4.3 score involvements.
Joining Hogan as another first-time All-Australian squad selection, Daniels’ inclusion comes following a career-best season for the often-underrated star small forward.
A key cog in the GIANTS’ orange tsunami game style, Daniels catapulted his name into All-Australian contention with several eye-catching performances in the back half of the 2024 season.
One of the AFL’s most dynamic forwards, Daniels finished the season on a tear, averaging more than 20 touches, two goal assists and a goal per game during a five-week span as part of the GIANTS’ recent record-tying seven-match winning streak.
One of the GIANTS’ most consistent performers across the season, Daniels averaged 18.1 disposals, 6.2 score involvements and 4.1 inside 50s per game to further establish himself as one of the AFL’s best small forwards.
As well as kicking 23 goals of his own despite playing higher up the ground, Daniels also finished number one in the AFL for goal assists – a category he led for almost the entire season.
Hogan, Daniels and Whitfield’s selections in the 44-person All-Australian squad comes as the GIANTS prepare for their second successive finals campaign under coach Adam Kingsley, with a mouth-watering qualifying final with the Swans at the SCG in two weeks’ time now in their sights.
The final All-Australian side will be announced at the AFL Awards night on Thursday evening.
