Hayden Ballantyne says greater consistency was the biggest factor in his improvement in 2014 after he was named in the forward pocket of the Virgin Australia 2014 AFL Australian team on Tuesday evening.

The enigmatic forward booted 49 goals this season, 15 more than his previous best in 2013.

“I think I can credit the consistency, keeping the routine the same, recovering a lot better and just ticking a lot more boxes,” he said.

“Consistency was the big thing for me this year.”

As for being All Australian for the first time, Ballantyne said he was humbled.

“Aaron Sandilands told me it’s a pretty special moment to get called out for your first time, and it absolutely was,” he said.

Fit Sandilands All Australian again

“It’s also nice to have been recognised for the long year.

“It’s a big honour and pretty special.”