Brownlow fancy named captain, star Dog snubbed: Zero Hanger’s 22under22 side for 2022

Following the AFL's confirmed 40-player list of nominees for the 22under22 squad, we've pieced together our side from the squad of young stars.

Just like the initial squad, the Swans and Dockers lead the way for selections in our 22-player side, having three players each make the cut.

Gold Coast, Melbourne, Collingwood, Port Adelaide and Carlton also landed multiple selections, leaving six clubs to register one selection each.

Selecting players only from their listed positional restrictions, we've named six defenders, six forwards, five midfielders and one ruckman on-field, while the interchange is made up of two midfielders, one defender and one forward.

Defenders

The rearguard is a collection of speed, athleticism, power and strength, combing to become a versatile back third that's home to some of the most exciting defenders in the competition.

Key position slots have been awarded to Cat Sam De Koning and Swan Tom McCartin, while the latter will be joined by teammate Nick Blakey on the flank.

Finalising the half-back line is young Magpies gun and Rising Star favourite Nick Daicos, who has shown no error at AFL level in his debut campaign.

The back pockets consist of emerging Dockers defender Hayden Young, who has offered Fremantle elite service out of defence this season, and Keidan Coleman, a Lions speedster who has looked comfortable in a move down back this year.

Midfielders

Starting with the wings, only four players were made available for the wider roles in midfield, with Adam Cerra, Justin McInerney, Noah Anderson and James Jordon making up the limited selection spots.

While not seen as a traditional wingman, Cerra's services are what would compliment the midfield most, earning a selection despite being more inclined to play a more contested role.

Anderson lands the other wing spot. Similar to Cerra, he has emerged as a reliable asset at the coal-face, but at selection is the first picked among the wingers on offer.

For the inside midfielders, it was no cakewalk to select three names among the crop of young stars, with the likes of Bailey Smith, Tom Green and Matt Rowell not making the cut.

Arguably the first player picked, potential Brownlow winner Andrew Brayshaw gets the nod for his stellar 2022 campaign, and also earns the captaincy.

Joining him in the middle, Blues star Sam Walsh and breakout Swan Chad Warner, with the pair both playing integral parts for their side's respective flag fights.

Should Walsh earn an official selection, he'll go four from four for 22under22 selections.

Having to select between just two ruckmen made the selection a little easier, with Melbourne's LukeJackson edging out Tiger Noah Balta for the honour.

Jackson is gunning for his second 22under22 selection following a nod in last year's side.

Forwards

Like the backline, we've selected two key position players, with Bulldog Aaron Naughton and Saint Max King leading the charge.

With two rounds remaining in the season, the duo are both tied in the Coleman Medal race with 47 majors each, both having career-high campaigns.

At their feet in the pockets is lively duo Izak Rankine and Kysaiah Pickett, who are also having arguably the best campaigns of their careers to date.

Rankine's influence in attack and Pickett's additional pressure are what separates them from the likes of Cody Wrightman and Jack Ginnivan.

On the flanks, it's hard to go past Port Adelaide's Connor Rozee. The young Power midfield-forward has enjoyed a stellar season in 2022, currently ranking equal fifth in the AFL's coaches' votes after 21 rounds.

The other flank is home to Bombers recruit Nic Martin, who joins the aforementioned Daicos in being handed a selection in just his first year in the AFL.

Ideally would earn a wing role, but Martin has been listed as a permanent forward.

Interchange

As mentioned, we've broken the interchange into limited selections for each position instead of picking the four best players available.

In selecting two midfielders, we've selected hard-nosed Hawk Jai Newcombe and Dockers young gun Caleb Serong, a decision that didn't come easily.

The pair narrowly edge out the Bulldog Bailey Smith, who too is enjoying a stellar season.

For our defensive pick, young Magpie Isaac Quaynor lands a spot on the pine, while versatile Power small Zak Butters earns the forward spot.

Other unlucky to miss on a selection include Demon Harrison Petty, Swan Errol Gulden and Crow Darcy Fogarty.

FULL TEAM

FB: Hayden Young (Fremantle), Sam De Koning (Geelong), Keidean Coleman (Brisbane)
HB: Nick Blakey (Sydney), Tom McCartin (Sydney), Nick Daicos (Collingwood)
C: Adam Cerra (Carlton), Andrew Brayshaw (Fremantle), Noah Anderson (Gold Coast)
HF: Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide), Aaron Naughton (Western Bulldogs), Nic Martin (Essendon)
FF: Izak Rankine (Gold Coast), Max King (St Kilda), Kysaiah Pickett (Melbourne)
FO: Luke Jackson (Melbourne), Chad Warner (Sydney), Sam Walsh (Carlton)
IC: Jai Newcombe (Hawthorn), Caleb Serong (Fremantle), Isaac Quaynor (Collingwood), Zak Butters (Port Adelaide)