Ahead of the announcement of the All Australian team on September 22, afc.com.au will present a (somewhat biased) argument for Adelaide’s nominees: Eddie Betts, Rory Laird, Patrick Dangerfield and Taylor Walker.

In this instalment, we’ll tell you why Rory Laird deserves a place in the final 22.

Please note these statistics don’t include finals

Because he defends first …

As strange as it sounds, in the modern game players aren’t always selected to play in the back line because of their defensive ability. Teams often use one of their best kickers across half-back to create play and help the transition from defence to offence. The trade-off is that some of these rebounding players aren’t natural defenders and, while damaging offensively, can be exposed the other way. There is no such trade-off with Laird.

The competitive Crow conceded an average of only 0.7 goals per game to his direct opponents in the home and away season. Of the top 100 players involved in defensive contests, the 21-year-old ranked No.2 behind young Magpie Marley Williams for winning defensive one-on-one contests.

Of the other contenders for the All Australian small defender positions, Hawthorn veteran Shaun Burgoyne also conceded an average of 0.7 goals per game, while Giant Heath Shaw (1.0) and Western Bulldogs skipper Robert Murphy (1.0) gave up slightly higher scores.

Because he can find the ball too …

The former rookie averaged a personal-best 24.3 disposals in 21 minor-round matches. Of all defenders only GWS best and fairest winner Heath Shaw, who shapes as a lock for the All Australian team, amassed more possessions (517) than Laird (510). This included an average of 7.7 contested possessions, which ranked Laird sixth among defenders. Laird was seventh in the AFL for intercept possessions and ground-ball gets in defensive 50m. The versatile Crow, who played lockdown and attacking roles in defence and even as a negating midfielder early in the season, was No.1 at Adelaide in effective kicks, uncontested possessions and handball receives, and second in rebound 50ms.

Because it’s a win for the little guys …,

At 178cm, Laird was considered ‘too small’ by many AFL recruiters when the Crows selected him in the Rookie Draft of December, 2011. Ironically, the only player shorter than the former West Adelaide junior at West Lakes is fellow All Australian nominee, Eddie Betts (173cm). Despite his size, Laird is fearless – nominated by his teammates for the Most Courageous Award at the AFL Players’ Awards. He’s the second-youngest member of the 2015 All Australian squad behind Bulldog Jake Stringer.