Western Bulldogs key forward Izzy Huntington and captain Ellie Blackburn have been named in the 2021 AFLW All Australian squad of 40 players.
It is back-to-back squad selections for Huntington, having made the final team last year for her efforts in defence.
Remarkably, it is Blackburn’s fifth selection in the squad – having not missed since the competition’s inception in 2017.
Of her five mentions, the skipper has been named in the final team of 21 twice (2017 and 2018).
Both Huntington and Blackburn were some of the Bulldogs’ most consistent players this year, featuring in all nine games of the home-and-away season.
Playing forward, Huntington slotted 12 goals for the year, and led the league for contested marks with 21.
On-baller Blackburn averaged 19.6 touches and 5.3 tackles, also contributing with five goals.
The final AFLW All Australian team of 21, including a captain and vice-captain, will be announced at the W Awards on the evening of Tuesday 20 April.
The 2021 squad of 40 was chosen by a panel comprising of:
- Nicole Livingstone (Chair, AFL)
- Steve Hocking (AFL)
- Josh Vanderloo (AFL)
- Kelli Underwood (Fox Footy)
- Sarah Black (AFL.com.au)
- Tim Harrington (AFLPA)
- Shelley Ware (media commentator)
- Sharelle McMahon (media commentator)
- Courtney Cramey (former Adelaide Crows AFLW player)
- Melissa Hickey (former Geelong FC and Melbourne AFLW player)
