Fremantle midfielder Lachie Neale has been named in the initial Virgin Australia AFL All-Australian 40-man squad for season 2016.

The prolific on-baller had a standout season, averaging 33.5 disposals a game on his way to breaking the home and away season disposals record as he finished with 737 possessions, beating Matthew Boyd’s 2012 record of 721.

Talking points from Bulldogs clash

The 23-year old, who has played 92 games for Freo, ended the season ranked first in the AFL for handballs and total disposals and had 40 possessions or more five times in the season, having 42 touches against Essendon in round 11 and Gold Coast in round 18.

Neale is one of 24 potential All-Australian debutants selected in the squad this year, with the likes of West Coast’s Luke Shuey and Gold Coast’s Tom Lynch.

Neale is Fremantle’s sole representative this year, while Adelaide has a league-high six players selected and Sydney and GWS have five each.

Neale was a third round pick for Fremantle in 2011, making his debut against St. Kilda in round four of 2012.