Star Richmond defenders Dylan Grimes and Bachar Houli have both been selected in the prestigious All-Australian team for the first time.
Grimes and Houli were the two Tigers named in the 2019 All-Australian line-up, which was announced this evening (Grimes in a back pocket and Houli at half-back).
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Last year, talented Tiger veteran Shane Edwards became a first-time All Australian, and now it’s Grimes and Houli who have been rewarded, nearing, or in, the twilight of their fine AFL careers.
The first-class form of Grimes and Houli across Richmond’s backline has been a key factor in the team clinching the double chance for the 2019 finals series.
Grimes, 28, played 21 of the 22 home-and-away round matches this season, averaging 13.1 disposals, 5.1 marks, 7.0 intercepts, 2.8 rebound-50s and 6.8 one-percenters per game.
He had an AFL career-high 26 disposals against Fremantle at Optus Stadium in Round 8, and was ranked 10th in the competition for one-percenters and 12th for intercepts.
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Houli, 31, averaged 28.4 disposals, 6.4 marks, 4.8 rebound-50s, 3.1 inside-50s, 4.3 score involvements, 6.6 intercepts and 495.1 metres gained per match in the 19 home-and-away games he played.
He racked up 30 disposals or more 10 times, with an AFL career-high of 38 in the Round 11 match against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
Competition-wide, Houli was ranked fourth for total bounces, seventh in metres gained per game, eighth in uncontested possessions per game and 11th in total kicks per game.
The All-Australian selection panel comprises Gillon McLachlan (chairman), Kevin Bartlett, Luke Darcy, Steve Hocking, Danny Frawley, Glen Jakovich, Chris Johnson, Cameron Ling, Matthew Richardson and Warren Tredrea.
