NEXT week the squad for the All-Australian team will be announced, and I think there are a number of Cats in contention.

Most have been selected in the team before and have been at the core of what Geelong has done so far this year.

Here’s who I think are a chance to make the 40-man squad:

MITCH DUNCAN

He’s played 21 games, is averaging 22 possessions and has kicked 22.9, which is unbelievable accuracy once he gets the ball in range.

His ability to win the ball and break the lines through the middle was something I was always excited about when he came to the club, now he’s verging on being an elite player.

He’s an elite kick for goal, whether it be on the run from 50 or a set shot from 30, you can bank on him every time.

He had a career-high 37 possessions against Hawthorn last week, and he might have done just enough to get in the squad.

This is his fifth year, he’s been promoted to the leadership group to be that next generation to take over the team. He’s a superstar in the making.

TOM HAWKINS

An outstanding year from big Hawk. He’s kicked 55 goals coming off a year where we wondered if we’d ever see the best of Tom Hawkins again because of his back injury last year.

He’s carried the forward line on his own back. He’s clearly the continual target inside 50. It’s been a great turnaround.

I think he knows his game now. He’s at the peak of his powers with the knowledge of the game and his own game, and with his pure brutal strength, there’s no better power forward in the game.

Lance Franklin’s still the power athletic forward who can run, but this guy’s your big monster and I don’t think there’s a better one in the game.

Behind Buddy and Jarryd Roughead, if they go with three tall forwards in the all-Australian team, Hawkins will be stiff to miss out on a starting spot.

media_camera Joel Selwood may have had eight best-on-ground performances.

JOEL SELWOOD

What can you say about him?

Last year’s All-Australian captain probably hasn’t had as consistent a year as last year, but his best games have been brilliant which is why he’s a massive shot for the Brownlow.

You could argue he’s got about eight best-ons, which is 24 votes and puts you right in contention.

He’s kicked 19 goals so far from the midfield coming off a 30-goal season last year which is a pretty good return.

He’s averaging 25 possessions while getting heavily tagged. In line for his fourth All-Australian surely.

ANDREW MACKIE

Averaging another 20 disposals a game off the half-back line.

He hasn’t kicked as many goals in the past two years as he did in 2012 but he’s defending better than ever in one-on-ones.

He’s taken on a real leadership role with Matty Scarlett and Darren Milburn gone over the past few years, he’s almost one of the skippers down there now with Corey Eright.

His ability to kick goals from outside 50 on the run is one of the best in the business. He has to be a shot for a second All-Australian after getting in last year.

HARRY TAYLOR

A two-time All-Australian, Taylor has been in the squad every year since 2010.

Like Selwood, he hasn’t been as consistent this year as he been previously, but he’s still averaging 16 possessions, which is on par for his career.

The way he’s finished the season has to give him a shot at All-Australian, he’s been brilliant the last six weeks.

I think Daniel Talia and Cale Hooker are your starting two big men in the back line, and like Hawkins, will be relying on whether there is a third spot for a tall on his line.

Is his second half of the year enough to get him in the squad?

media_camera James Kelly has averaged 22 possessions a game playing mostly off half back.

JAMES KELLY

He has changed his game from the hard, in-and-under midfielder that won him selection in 2011 to now one of the most solid small defenders in the game.

That just shows the wonders of his ability to change his game near the end of his career.

He’s played predominantly on the half-back flank, and is a massive chance to get a small defender’s position in the All-Australian team this year.

He’s played 20 games, so his durability’s still there, and he’s averaging 22 possessions a game playing on some of the best small forwards.

Honourable mentions:

Mathew Stokes and Steve Johnson probably haven’t played enough games to be considered but both have played outstanding games this year.

Both are averaging 26 possessions a game, having played 17 games for the season.

Tom Lonergan is another one with a question mark, but he’s had a pretty solid year.

He’s been patchy in places but for the most part has been really solid down there, and I’d love to see him get a second nomination after his first in 2012.