Rory Laird and Paul Seedsman have been named in the AFL’s 2021 All Australian squad.

Following the final round of the home-and-away season on Monday, the AFL announced a 40-man squad with Seedsman and Laird both making the cut.

Laird has twice been selected in the final All Australian side in 2017 and 2018.

Moving to the midfield in 2021, Laird averaged 31.6 possessions per game and career-best returns in clearances (6.7 per game) and tackles (5.8 per game).

Seedsman has staked his claim for a debut inclusion in his 10th AFL season.

Following a mixed season in 2020 (nine games), Seedsman has become a mainstay of Matthew Nicks’ side, averaging a career-best 26 touches and more than 600 metres gained per match.

The final 22-man team will be selected by Gillon McLachlan, Kevin Bartlett, Jude Bolton, Steve Hocking, Glen Jakovich, Chris Johnson, Cameron Ling, Matthew Richardson, Nick Riewoldt and Warren Tredrea.

The 2021 All Australian team will be announced at the AFL Awards on Thursday night.