22 Under 22 team explained
The 22 Under 22 team (stylised as 22under22) is an honorary representative Australian rules football team created by the AFL Players' Association that seeks to recognise the best young talent in the Australian Football League (AFL) and AFL Women's (AFLW) competitions each year.[1] To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 or under for the entire season (including finals). An initial squad of 40 is selected by the AFL Players' Board, before fans select a final team of 22 by voting via social media.[2]
Selection process
The 22 Under 22 team is the only AFL award decided by fans. Supporters were asked to pick their best teams via Facebook, or vote for individual players via Twitter.
The concept proved to be popular amongst AFL players, with many high-profile footballers voting and sharing their teams on social media.[3] Current stars Gary Ablett, Drew Petrie, Brad Sewell, Luke Ball, Andrew Swallow and Isaac Smith all selected sides, as did former players Cameron Mooney, Daniel Harford and Warwick Capper.
Several AFL journalists, including Mick Warner and Warwick Green, also voted and shared their teams.
AFL teams
2012
In the lead-up to the first 22 Under 22 team being announced, the AFL Players' Association selected a retrospective side from the 2012 season. Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield was named captain, while young stars Trent Cotchin, Dayne Beams and Nic Naitanui were amongst those selected.[4]
2013
The inaugural 22 Under 22 team was announced at the 2013 "Be the Influence" AFL Players' MVP Awards on 10 September.[5] Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell was named as the side's captain, with North Melbourne's Jack Ziebell selected as the vice-captain.[6]
Gold Coast had the most players selected of any club, with five Suns being picked in the final team – Jaeger O'Meara, Dion Prestia, Rory Thompson, Tom Nicholls and Trent McKenzie.
Rather than being awarded a medal or trophy, each player selected was presented with a New Era 22 Under 22 cap, designed by former North Melbourne player Daniel Pratt.[7]
2014
The 2014 22 Under 22 team was announced at the 2014 AFL Players Association awards on 9 September. midfielder Dyson Heppell was named as the side's captain for the second year in a row, with forward Jack Gunston selected as the vice-captain.[8]
had the most players represented in the side, for the second year in a row, with six representatives – Harley Bennell, Kade Kolodjashnij, Steven May, Trent McKenzie, Dion Prestia, and David Swallow.
2015
The 2015 22 Under 22 team was announced at the 2015 AFL Players Association awards on 15 September. forward Jake Stringer was named as the side's captain, with midfielder Luke Parker selected as the vice-captain.[9]
had the most players represented in the side, with four selections – Jeremy Cameron, Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith, and Adam Treloar.
2016
The 2016 22 Under 22 team was announced on 13 September. midfielder Marcus Bontempelli was named as the side's captain, with midfielder Zach Merrett selected as the vice-captain.[10]
2017
The 2017 22 Under 22 team was announced on 12 September. midfielder Marcus Bontempelli was named as the side's captain for the second consecutive season, with midfielder Zach Merrett selected as the vice-captain also for the second consecutive season.[11]
2018
The 2018 22 Under 22 team was announced on 30 August. midfielder Marcus Bontempelli was named as the side's captain for the third consecutive season, with midfielder Clayton Oliver selected as the vice-captain.[12]
2019
The 2019 22 Under 22 team was announced on 29 August. key defender Harris Andrews was named as the side's captain, with midfielder Josh Dunkley selected as the vice-captain.[13]
2020
The 2020 22 Under 22 team was announced on 22 September. midfielder Andrew McGrath was named as the side's captain, with key defender Jacob Weitering selected as the vice-captain.[14]
2021
The 2021 22 Under 22 team was announced on 26 August. midfielder Sam Walsh was named as the side's captain, with midfielder Andrew Brayshaw selected as the vice-captain.[15]
2022
The 2022 22 Under 22 team was announced on 23 August. midfielder Andrew Brayshaw was named as the side's captain, with midfielder Sam Walsh selected as the vice-captain.[16]
2023
The 2023 22 Under 22 team was announced on 23 August. midfielder Nick Daicos was named as the side's captain, with midfielder Jai Newcombe selected as the vice-captain.[17]
2024
The 2024 22 Under 22 team was announced on 22 August. midfielder Nick Daicos was named as the side's captain for the second year running, with midfielder Harry Sheezel selected as the vice-captain.[18]
Multiple selections
Marcus Bontempelli 5 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
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Aaron Naughton 4 (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
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Bailey Smith 4 (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
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Sam Walsh 4 (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
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Andrew McGrath 4 (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
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Luke Jackson 4 (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
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Zach Merrett 3 (2016, 2017, 2018)
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Daniel Talia 3 (2012, 2013, 2014)
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Jacob Weitering 3 (2016, 2019, 2020)
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Chad Wingard 3 (2013, 2014, 2015)
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Jack Darling 3 (2012, 2013, 2014)
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Ollie Wines 3 (2015, 2016, 2017)
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Isaac Heeney 3 (2016, 2017, 2018)
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Harris Andrews 3 (2017, 2018, 2019)
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Clayton Oliver 3 (2017, 2018, 2019)
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Callum Mills 3 (2016, 2017, 2019)
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Adam Cerra 3 (2020, 2021, 2022)
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Andrew Brayshaw 3 (2020, 2021, 2022)
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Max King 3 (2020, 2021, 2022)
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Kysiah Pickett 3 (2021, 2022, 2023)
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Nick Daicos 3 (2022, 2023, 2024)
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AFLW teams
2017 - 2019
No AFLW 22 Under 22 teams were awarded in the 2017 to 2019 seasons. On March 24 the AFLPA announced a retrospective team covering those three seasons.[19]
2020
The 2020 AFLW 22 Under 22 team was announced on 20 April. defender Chloe Molloy was named as the side's captain, with midfielder Madison Prespakis selected as the vice-captain.[20]
2021
The 2021 AFLW 22 Under 22 team was announced on 20 April. defender Chloe Molloy was named as the side's captain for the second consecutive year, with midfielder Madison Prespakis once more selected as the vice-captain.[21]
2022 (S6)
The 2022 (S6) AFLW 22 Under 22 team was announced on 29 March. midfielder Monique Conti was named as the side's captain, with midfielder Madison Prespakis once more selected as the vice-captain.[22]
2022 (S7)
The 2022 (S7) AFLW 22 Under 22 team was announced on 22 November. midfielder Monique Conti and midfielder Madison Prespakis were once again named as the side's captain and vice-captain.[23] [24]
2023
The 2023 AFLW 22 Under 22 team was announced on 22 November. midfielder Charlie Rowbottom was named the side's captain, with midfielder Georgie Prespakis named the side's vice-captain.[25]
Notes and References
- Web site: Rynne. Nick. Here are 22 reasons future is bright. The West Australian. The West Australian. 18 September 2013. 16 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130916054559/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/afl/18924858/here-are-22-reasons-future-is-bright/. live.
- Web site: Baldwin. Adam. 22under22 is here. AFL Players' Official Website. AFL Players' Association. 18 September 2013. 10 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130910072340/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/22under22-needs-you/. live.
- Web site: AFL Players'. AFL Players' Facebook page. AFL Players' Official site. AFL Players' Association. 18 September 2013. 17 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181017180234/https://www.facebook.com/AFLPlayers. live.
- Web site: Baldwin. Adam. 22under22 is here. AFL Players' Official site. AFL Players' Association. 18 September 2013. 10 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130910072340/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/22under22-needs-you/#.UjkNcsanpbS. live.
- Web site: McInerney. Sam. 2013 22under22 Team Announced. AFL Players' Official Website. AFL Players' Association. 18 September 2013. 2 February 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140202121327/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/2013-22under22-team-announced/#.UjkvfcanpbQ. live.
- Web site: Baldwin. Adam. 2013 22under22 Team. AFL Players' Official Website. AFL Players' Association. 18 September 2013. 19 February 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140219222039/http://www.aflpa.com.au/images/uploads/2013_22under22_team.pdf. live.
- Web site: McInerney. 22under22 team announced. Sam. 18 September 2013. 2 February 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140202121327/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/2013-22under22-team-announced/#.UjkMTManpbQ. live.
- News: Dyson Heppell named captain of 2014 AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 team. Herald Sun. Adam. Baldwin. 9 September 2014. 9 September 2014. 9 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140909175258/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/dyson-heppell-named-captain-of-2014-afl-players-association-22under22-team/story-fni5f22o-1227052758654. live.
- News: Jake Stringer named captain of the AFLPA’S ‘22under22’ team. Beveridge. Riley. 15 September 2015. Fox Sports Australia. News Corp Australia. 15 September 2015. 30 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220630205655/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/jake-stringer-named-captain-of-the-aflpas-22under22-team/story-e6frf3e3-1227528815248?nk=61b56718f5364fc4397d0bb1a1b74d61-1656622614. live.
- News: 22under22 team revealed: Marcus Bontempelli named captain, Caleb Daniel misses out. Ben. Waterworth. 13 September 2016. Fox Sports Australia. News Corp Australia. 13 September 2016. 12 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210712033042/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/22under22-team-revealed-marcus-bontempelli-named-captain-caleb-daniel-misses-out/news-story/34af5fc94adc663e5fb2ed78ef0fba93. live.
- News: Western Bulldogs young gun Marcus Bontempelli named captain of the 2017 22Under22 team. Wood. Lauren. 12 September 2017. herald Sun. News Corp Australia. 12 September 2017. 13 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170913194701/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/western-bulldogs-young-gun-marcus-bontempelli-named-captain-of-the-2017-22under22-team/news-story/03f1b68d7273b173051fbbcb72cf3646. live.
- News: 2018 22under22 team unveiled. 30 August 2018. AFLPA. 30 August 2018. 19 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181019040058/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/2018-22under22-team-unveiled/. live.
- News: 2019 22under22 team unveiled. 29 August 2019. AFLPA. 29 August 2019. 24 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190924070519/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/2019-22under22-team-unveiled/. live.
- News: 22Under22 side revealed for 2020. 22 September 2020. AFLPA. 22 September 2020. 2 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201002000414/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/22under22-side-revealed-for-2020/. live.
- News: Fans take shine to Dees, Suns. 26 August 2021. AFLPA. 26 August 2021. 26 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210826023619/https://www.aflplayers.com.au/news-feed/stories/fans-take-shine-to-dees-suns. live.
- News: Dockers dominate as AFLPA's 22Under22 announced. 23 August 2022. Australian Football League. 23 August 2022. 23 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220823002622/https://www.afl.com.au/news/829087/dockers-dominate-as-aflpa-s-22under22-announced. live.
- News: No.1 pick’s weird snub; 2023’s big slide worse than we first thought: AFL’s best young team revealed. Fox Sports. Ben. Cotton. 23 August 2023. 5 September 2023. 2 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230902004301/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-20223-aflpa-22under22-final-team-members-every-clubs-representatives-fremantle-dockers-captain-nick-daicos-latest/news-story/c759f9c2b1ff123d2d7165d2fab4d8ec. live.
- Web site: 2024-08-21 . Daicos bestowed honour for second year running . 2024-08-22 . collingwoodfc.com.au . en.
- News: RETROSPECTIVE AFLW 22UNDER22 SIDE 2017-2019 . 20 May 2020 . AFL Players . 24 March 2020 . 13 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200913143555/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/2017-2019-retrospective-22under22-side/ . live .
- News: Balmer . Matt . Revealed: Full team of best AFLW young stars for 2020 . 20 May 2020 . Fox Sports . News Corp Australia . 20 April 2020 . 20 April 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210420145755/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/womens-afl/22under22-2020-aflw-squad-revealed-collingwood-star-chloe-molloy-headlines-squad/news-story/63ee083751c63df4fd193779a9874dab . live .
- Web site: Revealed: Trio of Lions stars rewarded with selection in coveted AFLPA 22under22. Matt. Balmer. Fox Sports. 20 April 2021. 20 April 2021. 20 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210420140139/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/womens-afl/afl-news-2021-aflw-afl-womens-aflpa-22under22-brisbane-lions-aflw-grand-final-final-squad-selection-chloe-molloy/news-story/073b862726a8a8726e4d4c58757b34e5. live.
- Web site: Star siblings make AFLW history as 22under22 squad is revealed. David. Zita. Fox Sports. 29 March 2022. 1 June 2022. 1 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220601222858/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/womens-afl/aflw-news-2022-22-under-22-squad-best-players-club-by-club-prespakis-twins-all-australian/news-story/649c8c4686363552cb08e428f8ffbf9d. live.
- Web site: Zita . David . 22 November 2022 . Lions lead all-comers as AFLW 22Under22 side revealed . . 22 November 2022 . 22 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221122071813/https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/aflw-news-2022-final-22under22-team-best-young-players-end-of-year-awards-full-squad-ins-and-outs/news-story/fec238881f3142e788bdcdf0de058341 . live .
- Web site: Beaton . Bobby . 22 November 2022 . Lions Roar in Season 7 AFLW 22under22 Side . . 22 November 2022 . 22 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221122071814/https://www.aflplayers.com.au/news-feed/stories/lions-roar-in-season-7-aflw-22under22-side . live .
- Web site: 2023-11-21 . STAR CYGNETS LEAD FINAL 22UNDER22 . 2023-11-23 . AFL Players' Association Limited . en-AU . 23 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231123085503/https://www.aflplayers.com.au/news-feed/stories/star-cygnets-lead-final-22under22 . live .