Essendon stars Cale Hooker and Dyson Heppell are in line to become first time All Australian’s after being nominated in the 40-man squad released by the league on Tuesday.

The nomination is an acknowledgement of the stand out seasons from both players throughout 2014.

Heppell has stepped up in the absence of captain Jobe Watson this season for his first All Australian team nomination.

The 21-year-old midfielder has had a stellar season averaging 28 disposals a game from his 21 matches, missing one game with a broken hand.

Heppell’s presence in the midfield this season has seen his game lift to a new level with his ability to will himself to every contest.

The Bombers young gun has averaged 5 tackles, 5 clearances along with 12 contested possessions per game.

After missing out on a nomination in 2013 Hooker has once again starred in season 2014 to earn a call up.

Hooker has played every game for the Bombers this season beating the competitions best forwards on most occasions.

The 26-year-old defender has averaged 19 disposals and 8 marks per game this season.

Despite praise from many experts in recent weeks big man Patrick Ryder has failed to receive a nomination in the squad of 40.

Dyson Heppell: 21 games in 2014. 312 kicks, 111 marks, 280 handballs (fifth in the AFL in total disposals), averaging 14.9 kicks, 5.3 marks, 13.3 handballs. Six Goals, Five Behinds. 107 Clearances, 64 Inside 50, 34 Rebound 50m. 97 Tackles.

Cale Hooker: 22 games in 2014. 234 kicks, 170 marks (second in the AFL), 175 handballs, averaging 10.6 kicks, 7.7 marks, 8.0 handballs. Zero Goals, Zero Behinds. Four Clearances, 18 Inside 50m, 67 Rebound 50m. 33 Tackles.

The All Australian selection panel is Gillon McLachlan (chairman), Kevin Bartlett, Luke Darcy, Mark Evans, Danny Frawley, Glen Jakovich, Cameron Ling, Matthew Richardson and Warren Tredrea.

The final 22 will be announced at the awards evening on Monday September 16.

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