Essendon VFL’s backline pillar Tyler Sellers has been recognised for his breakthrough season, named at centre half back in the competition’s Team of the Year. 

The 24-year-old has starred in the sash since coming over at the conclusion of his stint with North Melbourne, firstly as a leading forward before making a transformative shift to centre half back this year.

You need only look at his finals performances to see how vital he’s been for the VFL Bombers – in last week’s Preliminary Final thriller, the 193cm defender accumulated 27 disposals (a whopping 14 of those intercepts) and clunked 12 marks to repel several Box Hill attacks. 

Pairing nicely with mid-season recruit Deacon Kalpakis on the last line, Sellers was crucial in the Dons’ run of eight consecutive wins to secure their spot in the penultimate fixture of the finals. 

Sellers averaged eight marks per game across all 21 appearances this season, serving as a brick wall in the back half and even chipping in for an impressive stint as a backup ruck in the Semi Final win over Tasmania. 

He said he was grateful for the honour after a couple of big seasons in the red and black.

“I’m super honoured to be named in the VFL Team of the Year,” Sellers said.

“I feel like I’ve been able to put together some consistent footy this year, which I’m really happy with. I’ve enjoyed playing my role and contributing to a strong season alongside the rest of our VFL group.

“Even though we fell just short, making the prelim final with the boys was unreal. We’ve got a great group, we love playing together, and hopefully we can carry that momentum into next year.”