There were four reasons that the 2001 All Australian team was one of the best, and they were all red and black.

2001 was another successful year for the Bombers on the back of the previous year’s premiership glory as they made it all the way to the Grand Final only to fall short to the Brisbane Lions.

Four players from the team would make the All Australian team that year.

Matthew Lloyd, Jason Johnson, Sean Wellman and James Hird were all proud representatives for the Bombers.

The four were all pivotal in the team’s success that year making valuable contributions on a weekly basis.

Matthew Lloyd continued his deadly accuracy in attack, cracking the ton for the second year in succession. The spearhead booted 105 goals, averaging an amazing five goals a game.

Jason Johnson and James Hird continued their status as the competition’s elite on-ball duo. The two averaged 21.9 and 18.8 disposals respectively. Johnson and Hird highlighted their incredible capabilities as goal-kicking midfielders, booting a valuable 48 goals combined for the season.

Hird’s honor was heightened further, being named the Captain of the team.

While Sean Wellman was among the AFL’s top echelon of defenders, averaging 16.9 touches each week. Wellman often took the best opposition forwards, while still clunking almost six marks a game in 2001.

The four selections in 2001 remain Essendon’s most in any one season.

2001 All-Australian Team

Backs:

Gavin Wanganeen (PA), Jonathan Hay (HAW), Daren Gasper (RICH)

Half Backs:

Joel Smith (HAW), Sean Wellman (ESS), Andrew McKay (CAR)

Centreline:

Jason Akermanis (BRIS), Brett Ratten (CAR), Nathan Buckley (COL)

Half-Forwards:

Michael Voss (BRIS), Warren Tredrea (PA), James Hird (ESS) ©

Forwards:

Brad Ottens (RICH), Matthew Lloyd (ESS), Ben Cousins (WCE)

Followers:

Matthew Primus (PA), Simon Black (BRIS),

Interchange:

Nathan Brown (WB), Simon Goodwin (ADEL), Jason Johnson (ESS)

Nigel Lappin (BRIS)

Coach – Leigh Matthews (BRIS)