Western Bulldogs trio Marcus Bontempelli, Tim English and Tom Liberatore have been recognised in the 2023 All Australian squad of 44 players.
Bontempelli has enjoyed a prolific 2023 campaign, averaging 27.7 disposals, 7.5 tackles, 5.7 inside 50s and 7.6 clearances from his 23 matches.
The 27-year-old skipper also ranked third in Club history for contested possessions in a single season (332), as well as second for most tackles (172) and third for most inside 50s (131).
English earned even more plaudits for his silver service in 2023, averaging 19.1 disposals, 31.2 hit-outs (10.5 to advantage) and 6.3 marks as the Dogs’ No.1 ruck.
He enjoyed a career-best outing against Sydney in round 18, collecting 22 disposals, 10 clearances and 60 hit-outs.
Liberatore turned back the clock this season, averaging 27.3 disposals, 14.7 handballs, 6.7 tackles and eight clearances from 21 games.
His 167 total clearances saw him rank equal-fourth across the league, while finishing fifth in Club history for most clearances in a season.
If the trio are selected, it would mark Bontempelli’s fifth All Australian nod (2016, 2019, 2020 and 2021), and maiden All Australian blazers for English and Liberatore.
The squad will be trimmed to a team of 22 on Wednesday night, to be announced as part of the 2023 AFL Awards broadcast on Fox Footy from 7pm AEST.
The three Bulldogs are also nominated for the AFLPA Most Valuable Player award, as revealed on Monday afternoon.
The official 2023 All-Australian selection panel comprises of: Gillon McLachlan (chairperson), Kevin Bartlett, Eddie Betts, Jude Bolton, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, Andrew Dillon, Glen Jakovich, Laura Kane, Cameron Ling and Matthew Pavlich.
Marcus Bontempelli, Western Bulldogs
2016, 2019, 2020 and 2021 All Australian
23 matches this season, 19 goals, 14 behinds
Averages 27.7 disposals, 67.9% disposal efficiency, 14.4 contested possessions, 7.6 clearances, 3.3 centre clearances, 7.5 tackles and 5.7 inside 50s
Tim English, Western Bulldogs
Never previously All Australian
23 matches this season, 16 goals, 4 behinds
Averages 19.1 disposals, 72.5% disposal efficiency, 9.2 contested possessions, 31.2 hitouts, 10.5 hitouts to advantage and 3.2 clearances
Tom Liberatore, Western Bulldogs
Never previously All Australian
21 matches this season, 8 goals, 9 behinds
Averages 27.3 disposals, 73.9% disposal efficiency, 14.5 contested possessions, 8 clearances, 3 centre clearances, 6.7 tackles and 4 inside 50s
