Why Bontempelli stands above Cripps and Merrett as the obvious choice for All-Australian captain

The lobbying has begun for the All-Australian positions and as always 30 into 22 simply doesn't go.

As an aside, given it's so difficult why the AFL commission hasn't changed the qualifications or the executive to make it 23 players is baffling - given one of the guidelines is to have a team reflective as if ready to play.

It was suggested to them two years ago, it's been knocked back. There would be no need to name a sub, just play five on the bench…

That said the lobbying for the captain is on in earnest with Patrick Cripps and Zach Merrett the two being pushed the most.

Merrett has had a great season and has lifted his game to a new level this year. He is being pushed along significantly by many a journo, but it's not a most improved award.

It's interesting that neither Harris Andrews nor Lachie Neale – co-captains of the Lions - get a mention as skipper even though both have had season after season at the top of their form.

But ultimately, it would be a surprise if the selectors don't settle on the obvious choice.

He's a bloke who's had a sustained period at the top of the competition, who's been All-Australian on five occasions already and been vice-captain in two of them … but never captain, the ultimate honour on the night.

He's been in the 'best player in the game' conversation year after year. Such a consistent gun being regularly close to the Brownlow.

It's time that the selectors made it official. The ‘Bont’ is the game's best player, and the ‘Bont’ should be without question, the All-Australian captain in 2024.