Wallabies All AFL XV: Could a team of AFL players challenge the All Blacks?
With the Swans and Bulldogs to meet in the AFL grand final on Saturday afternoon, we thought we’d have a go at picking a Wallabies All AFL team.
An Australian rugby side, picked from the best AFL players in the country.
Sure there are huge differences in the two games, but it’s hard not to get excited by the size and athleticism of some of the players.
Maybe, we could drag a few across and give the All Blacks a run for their money.
Props
Anyone that chooses to sprint around an oval at top speed for two hours clearly has very different priorities to a rugby prop. We’ll leave the No.1 and No.3 jerseys vacant for the moment and try and fatten a few blokes up over summer.
Hooker – Steve Johnson (GWS)
Three time premiership player, turn GWS veteran Stevie J isn’t afraid to put his head in some dark places and could be gritty enough to play hooker.
Locks – Nic Naitanui (West Coast Eagles) & Aaron Sandilands (Freemantle)
At 2.01m, 105kg and 2.11m, 122kg neither Naitanui or Sandilands would look out of place in the second row and could solve the Wallabies line out woes fairly quickly.
Backrow – Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne), Joel Selwood (Geelong) & Shane Mumford (GWS)
Hardworking Kangaroo Todd Goldstein and five time All Australian Joel Selwood both would fit nicely on the side of the scrum. Selwood would be the first to every breakdown and Goldstein would do plenty of work. 107kg GWS veteran Shane Mumford could play No.8. The former boiler-maker from Bunyip is known for his brutal defence and tireless ruck work.
Scrumhalf – Dan Hannebery (Sydney)
Swans midfielder Dan Hannebery led the AFL in 2016 with an average of 30 disposals a match and has the speed, endurance and skill required to wear the No.9.
Flyhalf – Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
Like Hannebery, the 2016 Brownlow medalist just doesn’t stop and has the ability to turn a match on its head. Dangerfield never seems rushed, a la Stephen Larkham, and has all the skills needed to lead a team as a flyhalf.
Centres – Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide) & Josh Kennedy (Swans)
Port Adelaide midfielder Robbie Gray and Swans gun Josh Kennedy get the nod in the centres. While it’s a position that may be difficult to convert to, Gray and Kennedy would give it a good crack. Gray is known for his creativity and ability to win contested possessions, while Kennedy led the AFL in contested possessions, stoppages and clearances last year.
Wingers – Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn) & Jason Johannisen (Western Bulldogs)
Both Rioli and Johannisen are elusive and lightning quick and could do some real damage if they find some space. A cross field kick inside the 22 to a leaping Rioli wouldn’t be a bad option either.
Fullback – Buddy Franklin (Sydney)
Buddy probably wouldn’t look out of place in five or six different positions on a rugby field, but with size, speed, a strong fend and a booming boot, he’d be hard to stop from the back.