Champion defender Jeremy McGovern and arguably the AFL’s most-improved player Jake Waterman have had their outstanding seasons recognised with selection in the 2024 All-Australian squad.

Already a four-time All-Australian representative, McGovern is in the running for his first blazer since 2019 following a vintage campaign.

Across 20 matches he ranked equal fifth in the competition for intercept marks (3.2 per game), second for rebound 50s (7.3) and averaged a career-best 20.6 disposals.

If the 32-year-old is named in the final team on Thursday he would join the incomparable Peter Matera with five selections, behind only 2006 premiership heroes Dean Cox and Ben Cousins (six) in Eagles history.

Waterman’s comeback from serious illness last year has been nothing short of inspirational and he deservedly earned selection in the 44-player All-Australian squad for the first time.

The 26-year-old finished fifth in the Coleman Medal race with 53 goals from 20 games, a major leap from his previous season-best of 18 goals in 2022.  

Waterman kicked a major in every game he played this year, including a career-high bag of six against Richmond in round six.

He also nailed five apiece in wins over Fremantle and Melbourne in a stunning first half of the campaign when he shouldered more responsibility with co-captain Oscar Allen injured.

The son-of-a-gun ranked equal-second in the AFL for goals per game (2.7) and outright second for marks inside 50 (3.2 per game).

The final 22-player All-Australian team will be announced at Thursday's AFL Awards event, including the Telstra AFL Rising Star, Coleman Medal presentation, AFL Coaches Association and AFLPA awards.

The awards evening will be broadcast live on Fox Footy from 5.30pm AWST.