SEVEN BRIGADE PLAYERS NAMED TO 2017 AFL ALL-ARENA TEAM
Smith, who was recently announced as the 2017 AFL Defensive Lineman of the Year, makes his third career All-Arena appearance and his second on First Team. The six-year AFL vet and former Oklahoma State Cowboy recorded nine sacks this season, tied for most in the league among defensive linemen, to go along with two forced fumbles and a pass deflection.
Afusia, playing in just his second season, started all 14 games for the Brigade and is making his first appearance on an All-Arena Team.
Clarke converted 81-93 (.870) extra point attempts and 3-4 (.750) field goals this season. The second-year AFL vet was a perfect 8-8 on extra point attempts on two occasions, Week 6 against Philadelphia and Week 15 against Tampa Bay.
Hayes recorded career highs of 31 solo tackles and eight sacks on his way to his first All-Arena appearance. His 11 tackles for loss ranked second in the league.
Sonie was named to his second-straight All-Arena Team and third overall. The four-year AFL veteran and Northern Iowa alumnus registered 72.5 total tackles, good for second in the league, to go along with three interceptions and his second career touchdown.
Thompkins, the 2016 Playmaker of the Year, has now made the All-Arena Team in three-straight seasons, including last season as All-Arena Second Team WR and KR. Thompkins averaged 20.3 yards per return, good for second in the league, and scored two special teams touchdowns.
Victorian tied for second in the AFL with five interceptions and makes his first All-Arena appearance in his fourth AFL season. His 54 total tackles ranked ninth in the league.