Four Essendon players were last night named in the 2001 All Australian team. James Hird, Matthew Lloyd, Sean Wellman and Jason Johnson were all selected in the team. For Hird, Lloyd and Wellman it was not a new experience but for Johnson it was the first time he has achieved the honor. Hird was named on a half forward flank and was named captain of the side for the second consecutive year. It was the fourth time he has been an All Australian. Lloyd was named at full forward and is now also a four-time All Australian.

Sean Wellman was an All Australian in 1998 and was last night named at centre half back. Jason Johnson was named on a star-studded bench that included Nigel Lappin, Simon Goodwin and Nathan Brown. The full All Australian team is:

Backs: Wanganeen Hay Gaspar
Half Backs: McKay Wellman Smith
Centres: Buckley Ratten Akermanis
Half Forwards: Voss Tredrea Hird
Forwards: Ottens Lloyd Cousins
Rucks: Primus Black McLeod
Bench: J. Johnson N. Lappin Goodwin Brown

For All Australian first-timer Jason Johnson it was an enormous thrill. ""I really feel very honored to be named in a side like that. They are great players and it is hard to believe I have been named among them,"" Johnson said. ""I really didn't expect it so it was a very nice surpise.""

While all four players were obviously pleased to be honored in such a way, Johnson said the season will mean much more if the finals campaign is successful. ""I know it is a cliche but you really want to achieve the team goals - that is what it is all about,"" Johnson said. ""I'm sure every player would trade an individual honor for a premiership.""