Luke Ryan was Fremantle's sole member of the 2020 All Australian team, but the star defender was proud of the seasons put together by teammates Matt Taberner and Nat Fyfe, who were in the 40-man squad.

“Tabs has played consistent and good footy. It’s just great for us and he’s going to be even bigger and better next year. That’s really exciting for us” Ryan said.

“With him playing every game and taking those big marks, I know he gives me and a lot of defenders a lot of confidence on the rebound. He’s really exiting.

“Fyfey is just Fyfey. He hasn’t got much credit for what he’s done this year but what he did for the team was unbelievable.

“He’s letting the younger guys go through there, Andy Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Caleb Serong, and him going down forward and taking the big marks and kicking goals, doing what he does best.

“It’s another outstanding year from the skipper.”

Ryan wished he could share the award with his fellow defenders, playing alongside the likes of Brennan Cox, Taylin Duman, Ethan Hughes, Nathan Wilson, Reece Conca, Stephen Hill and Tobe Watson for most of the season.

“I couldn’t have done it without them. It’s an award for all of us, really,” Ryan said.

“The work that they put has helped me out so much. The support they’ve given me, just keeping me up and about, talking on the field, it just gives you a whole lot more confidence and I couldn’t be prouder of the backline group.

“The first couple of times (playing as a key defender) I was very nervous. They (Ryan’s opponents) were a whole lot bigger, 20 kilos heavier sometimes, so it was a big challenge but I enjoyed every bit of it.

“As I played that role more every week it was a lot better and obviously the back six helped me out a lot and that made my job a whole lot easier.”