MAX Gawn has written himself into the history books.

The Melbourne ruck has become the first player in league history to receive nine All Australian jackets.

The news was announced on Tuesday night at the 2026 AFL Awards with Gawn’s history-making recognition topped off with the All-Australian captaincy. 

It’s been 10 years in the making for the veteran Demon, who received his first All-Australian nod in 2016.

What’s followed since that first jacket has been a decorated career as the league’s premier ruck, with selections in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 (captain), 2022, 2024 and 2025.

It’s no surprise that the 34-year-old has reached this unprecedented feat, his 2026 campaign seeing him miraculously add further depth to his already stacked skillset.

In addition to his elite ruck craft, Gawn has shown that his versality across the ground, both in the air and at ground level, is a class above.

He’s currently averaging a career-high 21 disposals and six clearances, while maintaining impressive numbers across marks (four), hitouts (33) and intercepts (four).

It’s the second time across Gawn’s career that he’s received the prestigious title of All Australian captain, first named as the skipper in Melbourne’s 2021 premiership season. 

In what has been a new era for the Dees under coach Steven King, Gawn’s leadership on and off the field this season has helped guide his team to a fourth finals series within the space of six years.

Kysaiah Pickett has received his second All Australian jacket, following a maiden selection in 2025.

Taking on further responsibility through the midfield this year, Pickett has relished in the fresh opportunity, averaging a career-high 22 disposals and four clearances.

While more of his match minutes were spent in the middle of the ground, his electric energy continued to be important for Melbourne inside 50, the livewire Demon kicking a total of 28 goals across 23 games.