After having to "play tall" all season, Western Bulldogs forward Brad Johnson was elevated Monday to the AFL All-Australian captaincy.

The Bulldogs skipper earnt his fifth All-Australian selection and was named captain of the team for the first time.

He and teammate Scott West, who are both among the Brownlow Medal favourites, set a club record by gaining their fifth selections.

Johnson became the Bulldogs' key forward after a series of injuries limited their options and he finished the minor round with 70 goals, the second-highest total this season behind Coleman Medal winner Brendan Fevola.

At 182cm, Johnson has often played above his height in attack, but rarely as often as in 2006.

West Coast onballer Ben Cousins was the most-picked player with his sixth All-Australian honour, while 10 of the 22-man team were named for the first time.

As always, there were some eyebrow-raising selections and omissions, particularly in defence.

Adelaide defender Nathan Bassett and Sydney backman Craig Bolton are much-respected by their fans, but the low-key nature of their play meant they were not widely-fancied selections.

Experienced Melbourne midfielder James McDonald was also rewarded for his best-ever season with a first All-Australian guernsey.

On the flipside, St Kilda onballer Nick Dal Santo was a notable non-starter.

Richmond fans also have every right to wonder how ruck-forward Troy Simmonds did not gain a spot.

And while Collingwood defender James Clement seemed to produce the right form for his third-straight selection, he also missed out.

But there were also at least a dozen selections who were automatic picks, including Fevola (Carlton) at full-forward, Brownlow Medal fancies Adam Goodes (Sydney) and Simon Goodwin (Adelaide), Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide), Chris Judd (West Coast), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda) and Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle).

Eagles key defender Darren Glass was named fullback and a strong season earnt Richmond's Joel Bowden - another player who regularly plays above his height - the centre half-back role.

Barry Hall was named at centre half-forward and also received the vice-captaincy, while the much-debated first ruckman role went to Port Adelaide's Brendon Lade.

Reigning premier Sydney and its keen rival West Coast had the most nominations with four apiece, while five clubs had no selections.

Johnson, Hall, Bowden, Goodwin, Cox, West, Pavlich and Cousins were the eight players to retain their places from the 2005 All Australian side.

"The most important people to get recognition from is people within the club, because they are the people you play with and are setting your role each week," Eagles star Judd said.

"So that is the most meaningful recognition you can get.

"But I think from a player's point of view to be recognised in that sort of form is a nice thing.

"You feel good about it and you are proud to be associated with some of the other players who get picked."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP