AFL Awards: Fremantle star Caleb Serong earns maiden All-Australian selection in 2023

Fremantle vice-captain Caleb Serong has earned his maiden All-Australian berth after being named on the bench in the 2023 team.

Serong, 22, becomes the 13th Docker in the club’s history to earn a blazer after an incredible season for his side.

The star midfielder averaged a career-high 30 disposals, eight clearances and five inside 50s to be named in the best 22 team for 2023.

Serong said it was hard to wrap his head around the prestigious honour.

“It’s feels pretty crazy to be honest , it’s an amazing feeling but I don’t really know what to say or to think,” he said.

“The team this year, I’ve played against them, watched and idolised and learnt a lot from them, so it’s pretty cool.”

Fellow Dockers Luke Jackson and Luke Ryan missed out on selection after being named in the initial squad.

West Coast were not represented with leading goalkicker Oscar Allen the only player from the club to be nominated in the squad, but he missed the final cut.

St Kilda dominated the defence with vice-captain Callum Wilkie and Jack Sinclair being named down back, while Port Adelaide’s Dan Houston was on the half-back flank.

Camera IconJames Sicily of the Hawks, Callum Wilkie of the Saints, Tom Stewart of the Cats, Jack Sinclair of the Saints, Darcy Moore of the Magpies and Dan Houston of the Power. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Hawthorn’s James Sicily became a first-time All-Australian after being named in a back pocket, while Geelong star Tom Stewart earned a remarkable fifth blazer.

Collingwood captain Darcy Moore was named at centre-half-back for the second time and first since 2020.

West Australian-raised Western Bulldog Tim English was named in the ruck, while his captain Marcus Bontempelli — who also won the Leigh Matthews Trophy as the AFL Players’ Association MVP — earned his fifth blazer by being named in the centre.

Magpies brothers Nick Daicos (rover) and Josh Daicos (wing) were also named as part of an incredible midfield alongside fellow first-timers in Sydney’s Errol Gulden and Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters.

The forward line centres around two-time Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow at full forward with GWS star Toby Greene and Brisbane fan favourite Charlie Cameron.

Camera IconThe All-Australian forwards (L-R) Connor Rozee of the Power, Taylor Walker of the Crows, Christian Petracca of the Demons, Charlie Cameron of the Lions, Charlie Curnow of the Blues and Toby Greene of the Giants. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Power gun Connor Rozee earns his second-straight blazer after being named on the forward flank, while Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca was on the other to be named in the team for a fourth-consecutive season.

Remarkably, Adelaide forward Taylor Walker earned a maiden All-Australian blazer in his 16th season.

North Melbourne’s Nick Larkey, Crows captain Jordan Dawson and Essendon gun Zach Merrett joined Serong on the bench.

Greene was named as the captain, with Bontempelli his deputy.

North Melbourne young gun Harry Sheezel was named Rising Star, with Fremantle forward Jye Amiss finishing in fourth.

B: James Sicily (Hawthorn) Callum Wilkie (St Kilda) Tom Stewart (Geelong)

HB: Jack Sinclair (St Kilda) Darcy Moore (Collingwood) Dan Houston (Port Adelaide)

C: Josh Daicos (Collingwood) Marcus Bontempelli – VC (Western Bulldogs) Errol Gulden (Sydney)

HF: Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) Taylor Walker (Adelaide) Christian Petracca (Melbourne)

F: Charlie Cameron (Brisbane) Charlie Curnow (Carlton) Toby Greene – C (GWS)

FOLL: Tim English (Western Bulldogs) Zak Butters (Port Adelaide) Nick Daicos (Collingwood)

I/C: Caleb Serong (Fremantle) Zach Merrett (Essendon) Jordan Dawson (Adelaide) Nick Larkey (North Melbourne).