Essendon's Saad El-Hawli and Nick Bryan have been nominated in the 40-man squad for the 2024 Smithy's VFL Team of the Year.

The AFL-listed pair enjoyed stellar campaigns at VFL level, with El-Hawli contributing strongly for the Northern Bullants prior to his switch to the Bombers at pick No.13 in this year’s mid-season draft.

In four appearances with the Dons, El-Hawli averaged 25 disposals per game and enjoyed a stellar performance against the Blues in round 11 with four crucial goals in a comeback victory.

The 23-year-old was recently rewarded for his strong start to life as an Essendon player with a fresh one-year contract extension.

Bryan, who took home the Bombers’ VFL best and fairest back in 2021, continued a terrific string of form at the level again this year, a dominant presence in the ruck over the course of 14 games.

Season highlights included a 40-hitout, 25-disposal, two-goal effort against the Roos in round eight, which highlighted the big man’s ability to impact around the ground - Bryan averaged 17 touches and 40 hit-outs per game over the duration of the VFL season.

The 203cm ruck eventually broke into the AFL side for the back end of the campaign, playing and contributing solidly in the final four fixtures of the year to take his career games total to 19. The 22-year-old shapes as a key piece of the club’s future.

The final 22-man side for the VFL Team of the Year will be finalised and announced on Monday, September 16 at the VFL/VFLW Awards.