Young Cats Jake Kolodjashnij and Lincoln McCarthy have been named as part of the AFLPA’s 22under22 squad announced today.
As the name suggests, the 22under22 team requires players to be 22 or under for the duration of the AFL season and features the best young talent from across the AFL.
The initial 50-man squad is selected by the AFLPA board with the final team decided via a public vote.
In 2016, 21-year-old defender Jake Kolodjashnij has established himself as a mainstay of the Geelong backline. His versatility as a defender allows him to play on both tall and small opponents and after just 26 games at AFL level, the young Tasmanian is well on his way to carving out a long career at Kardinia Park.
Fellow 22under22 squad member Lincoln McCarthy has also cemented his spot within the Cats’ best side, but it has been a journey not without its challenges.
The 22-year-old small forward made his debut in 2012 only to be hampered by foot and back problems, however has enjoyed a clean bill of health this year and demonstrated the kind of manic pressure, flair and potential required to become an elite small forward in the AFL.
You can vote for Jake Kolodjashnij and Lincoln McCarthy to feature in the final AFLPA 22under22 here. Voting closes on Tuesday 6 September with the final side to be named at the AFLPA MVP Awards on Tuesday September 13.
22under22 squad of 50
Midfielders
Marcus Bontempelli (WB), Jack Viney (MELB), Stephen Conigilio (GWS), Josh Kelly (GWS), Patrick Cripps (CAR), Zach Merrett (ESS), Ollie Wines (PA), Matt Crouch (ADEL), Jack Crisp (COLL), Lachie Hunter (WB), Rory Atkins (ADEL), Jack Macrae (WB), Luke Dunstan (STK), Darcy Parish (ESS), Lachie Whitfield (GWS), Caleb Daniel (WB), Brad Crouch (ADEL) (17)
Forwards
Jake Stringer (WB), Christian Petracca (MELB), Peter Wright (GCS), Dean Kent (MELB), Tim Membrey (STK), Orazio Fantasia (ESS), Charlie Cameron (ADEL), Isaac Heeney (SYD), Jesse Hogan (MELB), James Sicily (HAW), Joe Daniher (ESS), Jack Billings (STK), Mitch McGovern (ADEL), Darcy Moore (COLL), Lincoln McCarthy (GEEL), Liam Duggan (WCE) (16)
Defenders
Zac Williams (GWS), Sam Docherty (CARL), Rory Laird (ADEL), Jake Lever (ADEL), Jayden Hunt (MELB), Jack Martin (GCS), Callum Mills (SYD), Jacob Weitering (CARL), Marty Gleeson (ESS), Darcy Byrne-Jones (PA), Nick Vlastuin (RICH), Kade Kolodjashnij (GCS), Tom Sheridan (FREM), Brayden Maynard (COLL), Harris Andrews (BL), Jake Kolodjashnij (GEEL) (16)
Rucks
Brodie Grundy (COLL), Peter Wright (GCS) (listed as both forward and ruck) (2)
