DEMON duo Max Gawn and Christian Petracca have been recognised for their outstanding seasons, named in the 2020 All Australian team.
The star-studded 22, which celebrates the best individual performances in each position of the competition, was revealed on Thursday evening in a special broadcast on Fox Footy.
It’s is the fourth time Gawn has been selected in the prestigious side, having also got the nod in 2016, 2018 and 2019.
The inclusion makes him the only Melbourne AFL player to have achieved such honours, joining Demon Karen Paxman with four acknowledgements – Paxman has been named in the AFL Women’s All Australian team every year since its inception in 2017.
A four-time All Australian. ??
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) September 24, 2020
Max Gawn earns his spot in this year’s 22. #GoDees pic.twitter.com/sGCCadicfR
Gawn has been included as part of the interchange, pipped by West Coast’s Nic Naitanui for a starting ruck berth, while Petracca has earned the ruck-rover position on debut.
In another impressive season for the Dees, Gawn averaged 32.7 hit-outs and 15.9 disposals across his 14 games – the most in the competition – and continued to make his presence known around the ground.
But it was Petracca who took his game to another level in 2020.
Another first for our No.5.
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) September 24, 2020
Christian Petracca is an All Australian in 2020. ??#GoDees pic.twitter.com/QwT0D2xEnL
The 24-year-old adapted to a new role in the Melbourne midfield, having a massive impact around the contest, while still proving threatening up forward.
He averaged 23.5 disposals and finished with the second-most contested possessions in the competition (216), only behind teammate Clayton Oliver (227). He also finished with 108 score involvements and 15 goals.
Petracca’s sensational season was recognised earlier this week, with his efforts earning him the Demons’ top individual honour.
The No.2 draft pick took home the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy in what was his inaugural Best and Fairest win.