Three Western Bulldogs players have been acknowledged for their outstanding seasons in 2015 with Bob Murphy, Easton Wood and Jake Stringer all earning All-Australian selection this evening.
The Bulldogs had three representatives in the final All-Australian team, the equal most in the AFL, and the best return for the Club since 2006 when Scott West, Lindsay Gilbee and Brad Johnson were selected.
Bob Murphy’s outstanding leadership was also recognised when he was announced All-Australian captain, becoming just the second Western Bulldogs player to receive the honour — nine years after Brad Johnson.
VIDEO: Click to watch Bob Murphy's 2015 Season Highlights reel.
Murphy produced his best season from a statistical standpoint this year, where the defender averaged 22 disposals and finished the season fourth in the AFL for running bounces and 10th for rebound 50s — the 33-year-old was also named the best captain at the AFLPA MVP awards earlier in the month.
Such was his rise, defender Easton Wood had legitimate claims for the most improved player in the competition this year, and tonight was rewarded with his maiden All-Australian selection.
Wood soared into the Top 50 of the AFL’s Player Ratings after averaging 17 disposals and seven marks per game this season.
The 26-year-old finished the season ranked second for intercept possesions, ninth for marks and 11th for contested marks, stamping himself as the most dominant intercept player in the AFL.
VIDEO: Click to watch Easton Wood's 2015 Season Highlights reel.
Stringer rounded out the evening being named in the forward pocket, and the youngest player to feature in the final team.
In 2015, Stringer emerged as an elite forward of the competition, finishing fifth in the race for the Coleman Medal in just his third season.
Stringer averaged 14 disposals, three marks and two goals per game, and kicked four or more goals on eight occasions.
VIDEO: Click to watch Jake Stringer's 2015 Season Highlights reel.
2015 Virgin Australia All Australian Team
B: Heath Shaw (GWS) Alex Rance (RICH) Josh Gibson (HAW)
HB: Easton Wood (WB) Michael Hurley (ESS) Robert Murphy (WB)
C: Dan Hannebery (SYD) Matthew Priddis (WCE) Andrew Gaff (WCE)
HF: Chad Wingard (PA) Jack Riewoldt (RICH) Cyril Rioli (HAW)
F: Eddie Betts (ADEL) Josh Kennedy (WCE) Jake Stringer (WB)
Foll: Todd Goldstein (NM) Nat Fyfe (FRE) Patrick Dangerfield (ADEL)
I/C: Sam Mitchell (HAW) David Mundy (FRE) Brett Deledio (RICH) Robbie Gray (PA)
