COLLINGWOOD'S Leon Davis says his first All-Australian jumper is a tribute to both his perseverance and the compassion and understanding of coach Mick Malthouse.

Davis is from country WA, and was ready to go home from the minute he lobbed in Melbourne a decade ago.

But Malthouse convinced him to stay, and Davis is now seeing the fruits of that decision.

"[Malthouse] stuck by me [when I wanted to leave]– obviously I owe a whole lot to him for having the faith in me and looking after me when I first came over," Davis said.

"He really did understand where I came from, and how hard it was for me to leave home and all my family – he really did understand and I owe it to him.

"I'm happy, and I'm very honoured to be an All-Australian for this year."

Davis said his ability to string good performances together was the key to his selection.

Davis acknowledged when he first started playing AFL he had a problem producing his very best each week, but this is something he feels he has improved upon over the journey.

"So to be able to be consistent and perform week to week is something that I've worked very hard on over the years, and for it to start paying off is something I'm very proud of."

Davis admitted that 'consistency' was a euphemism for 'work-rate' and that the harder he worked the more things started to work out for him.

"If I'm working hard on the defensive side of my game, the offensive side will come," Davis said.

"So it definitely comes down to hard work and consistency."