DEBATE for this year's mid-season All Australian team was hotter than most, with few positions guaranteed after the first 11 rounds.

Todd Goldstein had first ruck locked away, Nat Fyfe wasn't being moved from the middle and Coleman Medal leader Josh Kennedy deserved full forward.

But opinions varied at AFL.com.au for most spots in the Virgin Australia All Australian Team, which would feature 10 first-time members if they were to be selected at the end of the season.

A regular backline structure has been maintained, but Patrick Dangerfield has to be played as a forward to fit him into this team.

Two ruckmen also needed to be selected due to Aaron Sandilands' recent record-breaking form.

The Swans have four players selected to Fremantle's three, but Dockers coach Ross Lyon gets the nod in the coach's box due to his team's 10-1 start.

Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh takes on the captaincy in his own right in this team, with Scott Pendlebury, who is selected on the bench, his deputy.

ALEX RANCE (Richmond)

Arguably the game's in-form defender this season, Rance has continued his All Australian form from 2014. He has played on talls and smalls and was even tried, albeit unsuccessfully, in the midfield, such is his versatility.

MICHAEL HURLEY (Essendon)

Averaging career-high marks (7.2) and possessions (20.5), Hurley has been shutting down opponents and charging out of defence this year to rank No.4 in the AFL for rebounds. Has a great partnership with Cale Hooker.

HEATH SHAW (Greater Western Sydney)

The Giants' veteran provides the lockdown small option in this team, while also serving as an attacking threat. He leads the AFL in rebound 50s (6.8 a game) and is averaging his most disposals since 2011.

SAM MITCHELL (Hawthorn)

A star midfielder, Mitchell has also drifted across half-back this season to great effect where his decision-making and disposal has been impeccable. His disposal (29.5), inside 50 (4.1) and clearance (5.2) numbers haven't suffered at all.

HARRY TAYLOR (Geelong)

Taylor's ability as an intercept marker, shutdown tall and rebounder has made him one of the Cats' most valuable players this season. His opponent always needs to worry about him, given his ability to push forward. Leads the AFL in marks (7.8 a game).

JARRAD McVEIGH (Sydney Swans)

The versatile veteran could be played across half-forward or in the midfield, but he has often returned to his original half-back role this season. Racked up a massive 39 possessions against Gold Coast in round 10.

DYLAN SHIEL (Greater Western Sydney)

Shiel's fourth season has seen him take his biggest leap yet, becoming an elite ball-winner (ranked No.5 in the AFL) with 29 possessions a game. His dynamic movement and strength at stoppages has been a feature in an ultra-consistent season.

MATT PRIDDIS (West Coast)

The reigning Brownlow medallist has not just maintained his elite standard, he's lifted his disposals (30.5), clearances (7.4) and contested possessions (15.3) to career highs. At this point, there would be no surprise if he won or ran second in the Brownlow Medal.

DAN HANNEBERY (Sydney Swans)

Averaging more than 30 possessions for the first time in his career, Hannebery has started this season on fire after his Grand Final disappointment. His ability to run into space, work for teammates and use the ball well inside 50 has been outstanding.

LUKE PARKER (Sydney Swans)

Unlucky to miss the final team in 2014, Parker has kicked on superbly and is in this team as a goalkicking midfielder (11 for the season). Booted 5.1 and racked up 31 possessions against Geelong in round seven.

LANCE FRANKLIN (Sydney Swans)

Ranked No.3 in the Coleman Medal race, Franklin has kicked multiple goals in all but two games. His ability to beat his opponent in the air, on the ground and up the field has remained a feature.

ROBBIE GRAY (Port Adelaide)

Another midfielder who averages a goal a game and is a constant threat going inside 50, Gray has claims for a midfield spot but is forced onto a flank. All Australian last year, he is averaging career-high disposals (26.9), tackles (5.7), clearances (8.6) and contested possessions (14.7).

EDDIE BETTS (Adelaide)

Without doubt the best small forward this season, Betts has booted 33 goals and thrilled fans with his brilliance from the pockets. He has maintained his tackling presence but has been much better in the air and when pushing up the ground.

JOSH KENNEDY (West Coast)

The most dangerous tall forward in the AFL this year, Kennedy has kicked 43.23 and is leading the Coleman Medal race. The high water mark was his 10-goal performance against Carlton in round two.

PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Adelaide)

While the star Crow couldn't be squeezed into the midfield, he needs to be in this team and would work well as a forward, where he has been used by Phil Walsh as a weapon. Has played some of the best football of any player at times in 2015.

TODD GOLDSTEIN (North Melbourne)

Started with a rocket and has maintained his form to sit No.2 in the AFL for hit-outs (average of 40.3 – a career high). Rucks one-out, covers the ground well and is influential at ground level, separating him from the pack this season.

NAT FYFE (Fremantle)

Without doubt the best player in the game this season, Fyfe's size and strength has made him a force at stoppages where he has won an AFL-high 98 clearances. Brushes off tackles, kicks spectacular goals and is elite in the air.

DAVID ARMITAGE (St Kilda)

A clean bill of health has allowed the gritty midfielder to reach his potential this year and average a career-high 30.8 possessions (No.2 in the AFL). Has become the Saints' new midfield leader after Lenny Hayes' retirement.

AARON SANDILANDS (Fremantle)

Demands a spot on the bench after a start to the season that has seen him twice break the record for hit-outs in a match. His ability at stoppages, with 42.6 hit-outs a match, has Fremantle ranked equal second for clearances.

LACHIE NEALE (Fremantle)

The fourth-year midfielder has built great chemistry with Sandilands and is a crucial cog in the Dockers' feared stoppage mix. He has been a prolific ball-winner, averaging 26.7 disposals (No.13 in the AFL).

ANDREW GAFF (West Coast)

An elite ball-winner on the outside, Gaff has built a better balance this season and lifted his contested ball and clearance numbers. He has won more uncontested possessions than any player this season (21.1 a game).

SCOTT PENDLEBURY (Collingwood)

An All Australian for five straight years, Pendlebury's standards haven't slipped in 2015 and demands a spot as a result. He remains a magician in the midfield and is pushing into attacking positions more often.



AND THE UNLUCKY ONES *

Matthew Boyd (WB), Josh Bruce (StK), Shaun Burgoyne (Haw), Jeremy Cameron (GWS), Alipate Carlile (PA), Shane Edwards (Rich), Jamie Elliott (Coll), Brandon Ellis (Rich), Josh Gibson (Haw), Tom McDonald (Melb), Jeremy McGovern (WC), Robert Murphy (WB), Easton Wood (WB).



* in alphabetical order