Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock stars Luke Brauer, Josh McCudden and DJ Oates, Murray Magpie pair Shannon Gilson and Ash Murray, Osborne’s Marty Bahr, CDHBU speedster Kade Rowe, Howlong’s Peter Hancock and Jindera’s Michael Blomeley have backed up last year’s blistering form.

Hancock won the Azzi medal for a second time and deserves to start in the ruck.

But only just.

Oates was outstanding for the all-conquering Saints after crossing from the Murray Magpies and will change out of a forward-pocket with Hancock.

Jesse Johnston played most of the year in the ruck before breaking his leg but has been selected at centre half-forward where he has spent plenty of time.

Jindera’s Kris Holman is an automatic selection and must surely be the recruit of the season.

Holman came from North Albury with his brother, Nick, and has been instrumental in the Bulldogs charging into Saturday’s grand final.

The bolter is Jindera’s Will King.

In a godsend for the Bulldogs, the backman followed several of his mates out from Ovens and Murray club Albury and proved a first-class addition playing alongside the ever-reliable Blomeley.

Rookie Rand-Walbundrie-Walla coach Myles Aalbers earns his spot after kicking 46 goals for the league’s newest club.

Like Josh Maher for the Magpies, he spent plenty of time in the midfield as well.

As always, there were several unlucky players including Jindera’s Tom Weldon, Giant Ryan Lavery, Osborne’s Duncan McMaster, Lockhart’s Jeremy Sykes and Andrew Emery and Power wingman Damian Wilson.

The Coach of the Year was tough.

Howlong’s Joel Price got the nod ahead of Magpie pair Maher and Corey Lambert.

Price had one of the youngest lists in the competition and took them to within eight points of making the semi-finals.

Brauer and Jarrod Hillary are worthy of a mention as well given the club dropped only one match, but it would have been a huge surprise if it didn’t make the grand final given the reigning premier’s wealth of talent.