Latest AFL News

AFLPA’s 22under22 team of young guns revealed

Which youngsters have footy fans rated highest?

Published by
Bryn Wakefield

This team of the AFL's best players under 22 is as strong as any in recent memory, with the likes of Errol Gulden, Zak Butters, and Jai Newcombe missing out.

Fans were spoilt for choice, with this year's squad less about the competition's future stars and more about its current stars.

Aaron Naughton and Sam Walsh were both voted into the AFLPA's 22under22 team for their fourth-straight year, having already had illustrious careers.

Brownlow-favourite Andrew Brayshaw has been named captain for his stellar season, with Walsh joining him as vice-captain.

Defenders

Despite missing out on the All-Australian squad of 44, Nick Daicos has received overwhelming support for the 22under22 team. He was the most selected player by fans, appearing on 97 per cent of teams.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: Zac Williams of the Blues (L) and Adam Saad of the Blues look dejected as Jordan De Goey of the Magpies and Nick Daicos of the Magpies celebrate on the final siren after winning the round 23 AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 21, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Rising full back Sam De Koning wasn't far behind the young ball-winner, with 95 per cent selection himself. De Koning made a name for himself this season as a stalwart of Geelong's defence and will play a big role in the team's finals campaign.

Tom McCartin takes the other key defender spot, with Jordan Clark joining him and Daicos at half back after a strong first year at Fremantle.

Versatile duo Hayden Young and Nick Blakey fill out the back pockets, having both risen their average disposals and defensive game in breakout years.

Midfielders

Brayshaw, Walsh, and Bailey Smith form a star-studded midfield, following up their selections in last year's team.

All three have continued to show their quality over the season, becoming standouts at each of their clubs. Even with an interrupted year, Smith was selected in 85 per cent of fans' submissions — thanks, no doubt, to his blistering start to the season. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Tom Hickey of the Swans is tackled by Bailey Smith of the Bulldogs during the 2022 AFL Round 03 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on March 31, 2022 In Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Noah Anderson and Adam Cerra have each found their place on the wing. Anderson has averaged 18.2 kicks per game in 2022, making him a top choice for the position. And while the year didn't play out as expected for Cerra, his contributions to an improved Carlton campaign justify his selection.

Luke Jackson is named as the sole ruckman of the team, having been voted in over Noah Balta for the single position. Playing his role for the Demons, the No.3 pick has rotated through the forward line and averaged 11.1 hitouts when in the ruck.

Forwards

Aaron Naughton and Max King spearhead a talented forward line in this year's final team, having kicked 51 and 52 goals respectively. Both have led their clubs in goalkicking this season, and are well-worthy of their selection.

Aaron Naughton during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

While Connor Rozee spent most of his breakout year in the midfield, his final tally of 18 goals and 130 score involvements are proof of his forward-line capabilities. Jack Ginnivan joins him on the opposite forward flank, finishing with 36 goals in a somehow underrated year.

Small forwards Kysaiah Pickett (38 goals) and Izak Rankine (29 goals) both add plenty of flair and goal-kicking prowess to the mix. Seemingly able to score from any angle or amount of congestion, this dynamic pairing are deserving selections.

Interchange

Rounding out the best 22 players under-22 are Isaac Quaynor, Chad Warner, Caleb Serong, and Keidean Coleman.

Young Swan Warner is perhaps the unluckiest to miss out on a starting midfield position, having brought his high-energy game to the forefront of Sydney's success this season.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Chad Warner of the Swans runs the ball during the round two AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Geelong Cats at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 25, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Serong has also been impressive in his third AFL season and marks the fourth Fremantle selection on this fan-voted team.

Coleman earns a selection after breaking games open all season with his elite field-kicking, while Quaynor has been a solid contributor to Collingwood's success this season.

 

 

 

 

Published by
Bryn Wakefield