The initial 40-man All-Australian squad was announced on 27 August. Minor premiers Richmond had the most players selected in the initial squad with eight, while Gold Coast and St Kilda were the only clubs not to have a single player nominated in the squad.[1]
Minor premiers Richmond had the most selections with four. Sydney forward Lance Franklin, who achieved selection for a record-equalling eighth time, was announced as the All-Australian captain, with Geelong midfielder and six-time All-Australian Patrick Dangerfield announced as vice-captain. The team saw ten players selected in an All-Australian team for the first time in their careers and included only four players from clubs not competing in that year's finals series.[2]