Which junior clubs paved the way to All-Australian team for Victorian stars
With the announcement of the 2021 Therabody All-Australian Team on Thursday evening, several community clubs across the state had reason to celebrate, as Victorians dominated the side.
16 of the 22 players selected for the final side grew up playing their junior football in Victoria — a positive sign and reward for community football clubs who provide such an important steppingstone towards the elite game.
A further 12 Victorian players made the initial squad of 40 which meant well over half the player pool originated from junior clubs around the state.
Max Gawn (Ormond Football Club/Melbourne) and Marcus Bontempelli (Eltham/Western Bulldogs) were recognised as the respective captain and vice-captain of the side for their impressive seasons. It is Gawn’s fifth All-Australian selection and Bontempelli’s fourth.
To see the full side and read more, click here.
For some photos of the All-Australian nominees in their junior days, head to our instagram.
Victorians in final team:
Other Victorians in 40-man squad:
