PORT ADELAIDE midfielder Connor Rozee is in line for a second All-Australian blazer in two years and his teammates Zak Butters and Dan Houston could be recognised for the first time after they were each included in the All-Australian 44-man preliminary squad.
Rozee has continued his 2022 All-Australian form this year, averaging a career-high 26 disposals, five tackles and 3.7 clearances.
The 23-year-old has played all 23 games this season for Port Adelaide and has contributed on the scoreboard, booting 20 goals so far.
Butters has had a remarkable campaign after a permanent shift into the midfield.
He is also averaging career-best numbers for disposals (27.5 per game), marks (five), clearances (4.6), and ranks elite for score assists and score involvements this season.
While he has played every game so far this season, Butters’ most dominant came in a 41-touch effort against Melbourne in Round 10 when he also racked up ten clearances and two goals.
Houston has been a picture of consistency in 2023. He ranks elite amongst half backs for average disposals (23.3 per game), tackles (3.3) and metres gained (473.5).
He has an incredible ability to rack up the ball and use his booming right foot to set up the play, while adding goals regularly, including his after-the siren match-winner against Essendon in Round 16.
Minor premiers Collingwood had the most players selected in the squad, with five nominations, while Marcus Bontempelli, Dustin Martin and Tom Stewart are each in line for a potential fifth All-Australian selection.
The official 2023 All-Australian selection panel is made up of Gillon McLachlan (chairperson), Kevin Bartlett, Eddie Betts, Jude Bolton, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, Andrew Dillon, Glen Jakovich, Laura Kane, Cameron Ling and Matthew Pavlich.
Having selected the squad of 44, the panel will narrow the team to the final 22 that will be announced on Wednesday night.
