Footscray captain Lachie Sullivan and influential ruck Jordon Sweet have been named in the 2023 VFL Team of the Year squad of 40 players.

Sullivan has been prolific in his third season as skipper, averaging 31 disposals and eight clearances from 18 games.

Senior-listed ruck Jordon Sweet has produced an impactful VFL campaign, averaging 13 disposals, five clearances and 43 hit-outs from his 17 outings.

Players must have played a minimum of 12 matches to be considered for selection in the Smithy's VFL Team of the Year.

The final team of 24 players will be named on Monday 18 September at the 2023 VFL and VFLW Awards night.

The ‘Scray will meet Casey in a VFL Elimination Final this Saturday at 12pm.

The full list of club representation was – Box Hill Hawks (three), Brisbane Lions (three), Carlton (one), Casey Demons (one), Coburg (one), Collingwood (one), Essendon (nil), Footscray Bulldogs (two), Frankston (three), Geelong Cats (one), Gold Coast Suns (six), GWS Giants (one), North Melbourne (one), Northern Bullants (one), Port Melbourne (two), Richmond (one), Sandringham (one), Southport Sharks (two), Sydney Swans (nil), Werribee (six) and Williamstown (three).

Lachlan Sullivan, Footscray Bulldogs

18 matches this season, 13 goals
Averages 30.7 disposals, 15.1 contested possessions, 8.5 scoreboard impact, 7.7 clearances, 2.7 centre bounce clearances

Jordon Sweet, Footscray Bulldogs

17 matches this season, 8 goals
Average 13.2 disposals, 43.1 hitouts, 12 hitouts to advantage, 5.6 score involvements, 4.6 clearances