Western Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn has been named in the 2023 AFLW All Australian squad for a record eighth time.
Blackburn took her game to another level this season, averaging career-high 26.8 disposals, 6.2 clearances and 4.5 marks.
She also smashed her individual record disposals (32 vs West Coast), marks (nine vs West Coast), tackles (nine vs Sydney) and clearances (12 vs St Kilda).
Blackburn finished the year sixth in the league for average disposals, equal-eighth for average clearances and eighth for average marks.
It’s a great reminder of the 28-year-old’s star power, who is already a four-time Bulldogs Best and Fairest and 2018 premiership captain.
From this, she has earned honours in the final team three times – 2017, 2018 and 2021.
Blackburn is one of only three players across the competition to be named in the squad every season.
The squad will be trimmed to a team of 21 at the W Awards on Monday 27 November.
The official 2023 AFLW All-Australian selection panel consists of Nicole Livingstone (Chair), Andrew Dillon, Laura Kane, Jason Bennett, Kelli Underwood, Sarah Black, Katie Loynes, Narelle Smith and Megan Waters.
Ellie Blackburn (Western Bulldogs)
- 10 matches
- Averaged 26.8 disposals, 6.2 clearances, 390 metres-gained, three score involvements and 4.3 tackles per game.
- Three-time All Australian (2017, 2018, 2021).
- Seven-time All Australian squad (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 S6, 2022 S7).
