Cats captain Meg McDonald has been named in the AFLW All-Australian side for the second time in three years.
McDonald, who was elevated to captain at Geelong following Melissa Hickey’s retirement, was again at her best in defence for the Cats in 2021.
The 29-year-old averaged 14.6 disposals, 2.2 spoils, 8.3 intercept possessions and 1.9 intercept marks a game in 2021, to see her recognised among the best defenders in the AFL Women’s Competition once again, named in the backline of the All-Australian team.
She finished runner-up in the Cats’ best and fairest this season to midfielder Amy McDonald.
McDonald previously made the All-Australian side in 2019, named at full back in her first year at Geelong.
It’s been an incredible three years for McDonald, who was delisted by the Western Bulldogs at the end of the 2017 season, having played four games.
The Cats recruited McDonald for their debut season in 2019, and the former Darebin Falcon made the most of her opportunity, winning the Cats’ best and fairest award that season.
She was elevated to the leadership group in 2020 as vice-captain, before being promoted to captain this season.
The Virgin Australia All-Australian team was named at the W Awards on Tuesday night.
2021 AFLW All-Australian Team
FB: S. Allan (Adel), M. McDonald (Geel)
HB: R. Schleicher (Coll), K. Lutkins (Bris), J. Cuthbertson (Freo)
C: M. Conti (Rich), K. Bowers - VC (Freo), G. Patrikios (StK)
HF: J. Garner (NM), K. Brennan (Rich), E. Blackburn (WB)
FF: E. Phillips (Adel), C. Molloy (Coll)
Ruck: B. Moody (Carl), B. Davey - C (Coll), A. Parker (GWS)
Interchange: E. Marinoff (Adel), B. Bonnici (Coll), D. Vescio (Carl), K. Paxman (Melb), E. Kearney (NM)
