Brisbane Lions premiership trio Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage and Zac Bailey have all been rewarded for standout seasons by being presented with All-Australian blazers for 2025.
The three Lions were named in the All-Australian team at the AFL Awards on Thursday night, the equal most representatives of any club this year.
Brisbane Lions senior coach Chris Fagan said he was extremely proud of all three players, as well as Dayne Zorko and Josh Dunkley who were named in the initial squad of 44 players.
“It’s an incredible achievement for Harris, Hugh and Zac to be named All-Australian players alongside some of the absolute best players in the AFL and all three thoroughly deserve their place in the team,” Fagan said.
“I am also equally as proud of Dayne and Josh for being included in the squad and believe both players have strong cases that they also could have been named in the final team.”
McCluggage’s selection on the wing was breakthrough moment for the classy midfielder who after five years of being named in the extended squad was finally awarded his first blazer.
The Lions Co-Vice Captain had been on the verge of selection in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 though never made the final cut despite his brilliant form in all seasons.
McCluggage evolved his game in 2025 to make it near impossible for selectors to overlook him.
The 27-year-old averaged 27 disposals at 67.5% efficiency, 12.0 contested possessions, 5.8 clearances, 2.1 centre clearances, 4.7 tackles, 7.6 score involvements and 5.8 inside 50s.
“Hugh’s All-Australian selection has been extremely hard earnt,” Fagan emphasised.
“He has come close for about four years and probably could have been in other years too.
“But to his credit he just maintained his high standards and this year took his game to a new level.
“Hugh stood up in the big moments for his team and was a consistent performer week in and wek out.”
Andrews, the Lions Premiership Co-Captain, added to his already impressive resume by being named in the All-Australian team for a third time, also achieving the honour in 2019 and 2020.
The 28-year-old, who had also featured in the extended squad three times (2018, 2023,2024), led the way as the general in defence all season to be named at centre half back.
Andrews averaged 13.5 disposals, 89.1% disposal efficiency, 7.7 marks, 3.0 intercept marks, 7.3 spoils and 2.5 rebound 50s.
“Harris had an outstanding season, proving he is one of the leading defenders of the competition,” Fagan said.
“His intercept marking and spoiling are first class, and his leadership of the team was absolutely spot on.
“To be an All-Australian for a third time is an exceptional achievement.”
Bailey was the third Lion to don an All-Australian blazer for 2025, named on a half-forward flank.
This was the first year that selectors had even included the 25-year-old in their initial squad.
The forward-midfielder booted 33 goals while also averaging 19.7 disposals at 72.3% efficiency, 4.7 marks, 3.4 inside 50s, 6.7 score involvements and 2.2 tackles.
Bailey’s All-Australin inclusion further highlights how far he has come, according to his coach.
“Bails had his best year ever,” Fagan said.
“He played a mix of wing, half-forward and as an inside midfielder
“The thing that stood out the most is the dynamic way in which he plays where he gets the ball and explodes.
“He uses that ability to set up teammates to have shots on goal and for himself.”
The 2025 All Australian selection panel was Andrew Dillon (Chair), Eddie Betts, Jude Bolton, Nathan Buckley, Kane Cornes, Abbey Holmes, Glen Jakovich, Laura Kane and Matthew Pavlich.
The final team of 22, as per the criteria established in 2007, was selected as if to play a match.
