Porplyzia, 24, enjoyed a breakout season in 2008, despite carrying a shoulder injury, and has built on his good form this year.
The straight-shooting forward has kicked a career-best 52 goals to lead the Crows’ goalkicking.
He finished sixth in the race for the Coleman Medal, six goals behind his main rival for the All-Australian small forward position, West Coast's Mark LeCras.
But Craig said Porplyzia was still deserving of a spot in the league’s best 22 for season 2009.
"I like Mark LeCras and I like what he does…but I love Jason," Craig said on Tuesday.
"Jason’s an exceptional player. He’s an exceptional kick, has exceptional character and some of the things he can do in a football match are special.
"In the past, we’ve had Darren Jarman and Jason can do some things Darren used to be able to do.
"I don’t see Mark every week, but I see Jason every week and if there’s a better small forward in the competition than Jason Porplyzia…well it’s going to be a great [All-Australian] side."
