22under22 is a concept acknowledging the best players aged 22 and under for the 2013 season.
The AFL Players’ Association Board, led by President Luke Ball has picked a preliminary squad of 40 players comprised of 12 defenders, 14 midfielders, 12 forwards and two rucks, from which fans can vote via Twitter and Facebook to decide the final 22.
AFL Players’ Association President Luke Ball says the 22under22 concept ensures the impressive performances of the competition’s youngsters are celebrated.
“Players that have managed to have a consistent impact on the competition at such a young age should be duly recognised,” he said.
AFL Players’ Association CEO Matt Finnis agrees.
“The average age of the All-Australian team last year was 27, so this concept provides these young players with a rite of passage – and acts as a form guide for who those future stars of the competition might be,” Finnis said.
Players selected in the final 22 will be presented with a 22under22 New Era cap – designed by former North Melbourne player Daniel Pratt – in a perspex case, at the 2013 Be the Influence AFL Players’ MVP Awards on September 10.
This year’s 22under22 side is the first of its kind, although the AFL Players’ Association Board has also selected a retrospective 2012 team. Patrick Dangerfield was chosen as the captain of that side, and will present this year’s captain with his cap on stage.
Fans whose team match the 2013 22under22 team will automatically go into the draw to win their very own inaugural 22under22 New Era cap, along with a 22under22 guernsey and set of Select player cards, featuring each player picked in this year’s 22under22 side.
The cap, guernsey and captain’s card will all be signed by the 2013 22under22 captain.
Voting opens via Facebook on August 21 and closes on September 4, while fans can vote via Twitter from the 27th -31st August.
To vote, visit AFLPlayers on Facebook or follow @AFLPlayers on Twitter.
2013 22under22 squad?
Defenders
1. Rory Thompson
2. Daniel Talia
3. Jake Carlisle
4. Steele Sidebottom
5. Paul Seedsman
6. Jordan Roughead
7. Trent McKenzie
8. Aaron Mullet
9. Dylan Roberton
10. Mitch Golby
11. Clancee Pearce
12. Brandon Ellis
Forwards
1. Allen Christensen
2. Jack Darling
3. Dustin Martin
4. Steven Motlop
5. Luke Bruest
6. Jeremy Cameron
7. Jack Gunston
8. Aaron Black
9. Michael Walters
10. Jamie Elliot
11. Luke Dahlhaus
12. Chad Wingard
Midfielders
1. Dan Hannebery
2. Jaeger O’Meara
3. Nathan Fyfe
4. Luke Parker
5. Ollie Wines
6. Dion Prestia
7. Ben Cunnington
8. Tom Liberatore
9. Jack Ziebell
10. Jack Redden
11. Adam Treloar
12. Mitch Duncan
13. Tom Mitchell
14. Dyson Heppell
Ruck
1. Mark Blicavs
2. Tom Nicholls
