Melbourne wingman Lachie Hunter has been one of the best outside runners in the AFL for the best part of a decade.
Hunter won a premiership in 2016 and a best and fairest with the Western Bulldogs in 2018 but never earned an All-Australian blazer as selectors often opted to place midfielders in the wing positions.
While wingmen have been overlooked in the past in All-Australian sides, plenty believe they should be represented in 2023 with the role proving so important in modern footy.
Hunter named two of his opponents that he hopes receives the honour this year.
“You know, I could talk about good wingmen all day,” Hunter told SEN Sportsday.
“It’s good to see some getting some recognition.
“They (Nic Martin and Errol Gulden) are two young guys who have had great starts to their careers and I'm sure they are going to do great things.
“I'm sure you're going to ask about the All-Australian team anyway and who'll be on there.
“Hopefully we get (Josh) Daicos and Gulden in, they are actual wingmen which is good.”
Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy said that he expects Hunter to become the unofficial President of the Wingmen Association once he hangs up the boots, but the Demon simply hopes selectors change their tune going forward.
“I'm trying to make a stand for what's to come in the future years as well,” Hunter said.
“Hopefully we get them this year and the selectors can change their tune.”
While Daicos and Gulden are the cream of the crop this season, one of the great wingers that has dominated across the last decade is 2022 Norm Smith Medallist Isaac Smith.
On the back of Smith’s retirement announcement this week, Hunter looked back on some of his battles with the ex-Hawk and current Cat.
“Yeah, he was (a great wingman), I played on him a lot of times,” Hunter said.
“I remember one game specifically at Marvel Stadium, It was the highest speed I've ever run in a game and the most distance I’ve ever run in the game and it was off the back of trying to stay with him.
“He was always good to play on, he always had a laugh and had a chat and went about out it the right way.
“He was very skilful and a great player at the same time.”
Hunter, who is enjoying a strong first season with Melbourne will hope to continue his good form when the Demons face the Blues on Saturday night at the MCG.
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