GIANTS Callan Ward and Lachie Whitfield have been recognised for their outstanding seasons by being named in the 2018 Virgin Australia All Australian 40-man squad.
It’s the third time that Ward has been named in the 40-man squad, having been selected in 2014 and 2016, but the GIANTS’ co-captain is yet to don an All Australian blazer as one of the final 22 players throughout his illustrious career.
Ward has been impressive in 2018 averaging 27 disposals, 3.9 marks, 6.8 clearances and four tackles per game while also kicking seven goals.
Meanwhile, Whitfield has been selected in the 40-man squad for the first time in his career, with his move to a role in defence paying dividends.
The 24-year-old has averaged 26.5 disposals, 6.6 marks, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 tackles per game while his attacking game has been impressive, sending the ball inside 50 on average 3.7 times per game and having kicked six goals this season.
The GIANTS have had five players named Virgin Australia All Australians with Heath Shaw the only player to have been named in the 22 twice while wearing the orange and charcoal.
Jeremy Cameron was the first GIANT to receive the honour in 2013, before Shaw was named for the first time in 2015.
Shaw was joined by Toby Greene in the 2016 team, while Josh Kelly and Dylan Shiel’s exceptional 2017 seasons saw them both named in the Virgin Australia All Australian team.
The Virgin Australia All Australian team will be announced in Melbourne on Wednesday night.
