Another sensational season from ball magnet Jack Macrae has culminated in All Australian selection for the first time. 

The 25-year-old has been prolific in the midfield for the Western Bulldogs throughout the year, and particularly in their late charge to secure a finals berth. 

“It’s a great honour,” Macrae said of his selection. 

“To see some of the players and rub shoulders with them, you pinch yourself a bit to be held in company with those great players.”

Macrae was named in the initial squad of 40 last year, but wasn’t named in the final 22. 

He’s arguably taken his game to another level in 2019, despite being runner-up in the Bulldogs’ best and fairest last season.

All Australian teammate Marcus Bontempelli praised Macrae’s impact for the Bulldogs.

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“The obvious thing that springs to mind in his ability to win the ball and find the ball,” Bontempelli said. 

“He works his tail off to do that for us and be a massive threat for us, inside and outside the contest.

“We’re fortunate to have his ability to read the ball throughout the game at our use, and he’s earned what he’s earned tonight.” 

In averaging 33.5 disposals per game, Macrae has found plenty of the ball – including 11 consecutive games with 30 disposals or more to round out the home-and-away season. 

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“It’s something I’m always trying to work on, to be as damaging as possible and make each possession count,” Macrae said. 

“And just being as reliable teammate as I can be. It’s probably the best year I’ve had at doing that.”