Richmond midfielders Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio have capped outstanding seasons with selection in the 2012 AFL All Australian team.

The Tiger pair, the top-two place-getters in the Jack Dyer Medal, was among 15 players that made the team for the first time in their careers.

Richmond had a total of four players nominated for the team, including Coleman medallist Jack Riewoldt, who was pipped for the full forward spot by Geelong’s Tom Hawkins, and Ivan Maric, who also missed out after becoming one of the most improved players in the competition.

Deledio, who was named on the interchange bench, made the successful move from defence to the midfield in 2012, and had previously been nominated for the All Australian team three times.

The 25-year-old enjoyed his best season to date in the Yellow and Black, playing all 22 games and averaging 27.5 disposals per match.

He was ranked No. 1 in the AFL for inside 50s, kicked 17 goals and was ninth for total disposals.  He amassed 20 disposals or more on 20 occasions, and 30 disposals or more 10 times.

Cotchin emerged as one of the premier midfielders in the AFL in 2012, and was rewarded by being named on a wing in the All Australian team.
He too averaged 27.5 disposals for the season, and was ranked No. 4 in the AFL for kicks and inside 50s, and eighth for total disposals.

On 21 occasions, he had 20 touches or more, and he racked up 30 disposals or more seven times (four of those coming in the last four rounds), with a season-high 38 against Gold Coast in Round 16.