Sydney Swans AFLW duo Paige Sheppard and Eliza Vale have tonight been selected in the 2022 VFLW Team of the Year.
Announced during the 2022 VFL and VFLW Awards night on Monday evening, the Swans pair were named in the final side after strong, consistent performances last season.
Vale, who made her Sydney Swans debut on the weekend after recovering from an ankle injury that ruled out the defender for the opening two rounds of the season, was previously named the Western Bulldogs VFLW Best and Fairest this season.
Vale played 11 matches with an average 20.3 disposals, 6.4 marks, 4.4 rebound 50s and 2.6 tackles.
Sheppard was named on the interchange for consistent performances for the Geelong Cats this season.
The midfielder has played all three of the Swans AFLW games so far, bringing in strong form that saw her claim the Cats' 2022 Best and Fairest award after finishing runner up in the previous season.
Sheppard averaged 22.2 disposals, 6.5 tackles, 4.9 clearances and 3.7 inside 50s over 13 matches in 2022.
2022 VFLW statistics
Paige Sheppard, Geelong Cats
13 matches
Averages 22.2 disposals, 6.5 tackles, 4.9 clearances and 3.7 inside 50s
Eliza Vale, Western Bulldogs
11 matches
Averages 20.3 disposals, 6.4 marks, 4.4 rebound 50s and 2.6 tackles
The 2022 VFLW Team of the Year is below.
B: Eliza Vale, Katelyn Lee
HB: Grace Buchanan, Jenna Richardson, Nicole Callinan
C: Samantha Johnson, Hannah Stuart, Winnie Laing
HF: Mia-Rae Clifford, Renee Tierney, Tahlia Fellows
F: Frederica Frew, Tamara Luke
Foll: Elizabeth McGrath, Georgia Nanscawen, Laura Gardiner
Int: Amelia Radford, Matilda Zander, Olivia Barton, Paige Sheppard, Tayla Kearns
Coach: Brendan Major
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