COACH Paul Roos says key tall Lynden Dunn has had an “outstanding” season and could be a possibility to claim All-Australian honours this year.

Although Roos said it was difficult to assess Dunn’s form against the rest of the defenders in the competition, he was adamant the forward-midfielder-turned backman had been pivotal in 2014. 

“He’s been outstanding. He’s had a very, very good year, playing on some of the best forwards, but equally he’s able to play on the mediums and sometimes the smalls as well,” he said at AAMI Park on Tuesday.

“His ability to read the play, intercept mark and rebound has been [outstanding], so he’s had a very, very good year.

“I don’t get to watch every game, every single weekend, but certainly when I see the games, his defensive work and body work is great.

“He’s got a good balance and he reads the play well, so he’s able to defend one on one and he’s able to help out his teammates. From my point of view, he’s having a very good year.”

Meanwhile, Roos said Melbourne’s opponents this round – North Melbourne – at the MCG on Sunday, was as good as any team in the competition.

But he added that Melbourne’s most recent encounter against the Roos wouldn’t be a factor this time around – the Demons were smashed by 122 points in round 18 at Etihad Stadium last year.

“For me, it’s not really my history – it’s the club’s history and the players,” he said.

“They (the Melbourne players) know they’ve come a fair way and equally they know the Kangaroos are a really dangerous team. They’ve played some terrific footy this year.

“We just remind our players of what the opposition does and how we think we’re going to stop them – rather than our past results, because I think most teams have smashed us over the last couple of years.

“I don’t think we need to be going over that too often.”