Two GIANTS have been recognised for their stellar seasons after being named in the 2026 All-Australian squad. 

Lachie Ash and Clayton Oliver have both been named in this year’s extended 46-player squad announced by the AFL on Monday afternoon. 

Included in this year’s squad, is Clayton Oliver, whose move to Sydney has provided the career reset that has seen him to return to his best football. 

The 29-year-old rediscovered the brilliant ball-winning form that made him a three-time All-Australian earlier in his career, averaging 30.2 disposals per game, up significantly from 25.5 last season. He also finished first across the entire competition in both contested possessions (14.9 per game) and groundball gets (10.7 per game), as well finishing inside the AFL’s top five for clearances with 7.3 per game. 

Oliver's work rate, the commitment to his craft, and his capacity to perform consistently each week have been key to his resurgence, with Oliver once again establishing himself as one of the competition’s premier midfielders. 

Named in the All-Australian squad for a second consecutive year, Lachie Ash has backed up his breakout 2025 campaign with another impressive season, further strengthening his case as one of the competition’s premier rebounding defenders.  

After earning his maiden All-Australian squad selection last season, Ash has taken another step in 2026, combining his trademark run and ball use out of defence with an increased influence across the ground. 

Ash finished the season ranked elite for disposals, kicks, handballs, marks and metres gained, averaging 28.7 disposals, 19 kicks, 9.7 handballs, 7.2 marks and 626 metres gained per game. His ability to consistently win possession in the back half and turn defence into attack has remained a defining feature of his game, with his run, carry and dare a huge weapon for Adam Kingsley’s side.  

If selected in the final team of 23 it would be Ash’s maiden All-Australian honour, while Oliver is aiming to claim his fourth All-Australian blazer.  

The official 2026 All-Australian selection panel comprises of: Andrew Dillon (Chair), Eddie Betts, Jude Bolton, Simon Black, Abbey Holmes, Glen Jakovich, Laura Kane, David Mundy, Joel Selwood, and Greg Swann. 

The final 2026 All-Australian team will be announced at the 2026 AFL Awards on Tuesday evening.