Carlton defender Sam Docherty has tonight become the first Blue to be honoured with All Australian selection since 2011, recognised for his outstanding season on Wednesday night. 

The final 22-man team was revealed at the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian Awards at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne.

The 23-year-old’s first All-Australian selection comes after the in-form defender finished his fourth season at Carlton ranked first in the league for marks (199) and kicks (460). 

After featuring in all 22 matches in 2017, the 23-year-old mounted up career highs including 39 disposals against Sydney in Round 6 and 15 marks against Hawthorn in Round 22.

Docherty’s selection in the 2017 All Australian team marks the Club’s first since Marc Murphy and Chris Judd were named in the side in 2011. 

The All Australian selection panel comprised AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, Kevin Bartlett, Luke Darcy, Andrew Dillon, Danny Frawley, Glen Jakovich, Chris Johnson, Cameron Ling, Matthew Richardson and Warren Tredrea.

The following players were also named in the 2017 Virgin Australia AFL All-Australian team: