The AFL Players Association has today named its 2024 AFLW 22Under22 squad, presented by Torrens University Australia with two Sydney Swans featured. Midfield stars Laura Gardiner and Sofia Hurley were featured in the 44-man squad after strong individual seasons.
Gardiner, who was named an All Australian and AFLW Club Champion in 2023, backed up her breakout season with an average of 28.9 disposals, 5.9 tackles and 4.6 clearances this year. The 21-year-old played nine of 11 games in 2024 after sustaining an injury to her hand in Round 6B.
Hurley had her best season to-date in 2024 and finished the season playing all 11 matches and averaging 19.9 disposals, 7.1 tackles and 3.8 clearances.
22Under22 is a fan-voted concept that recognises the best 22 players aged 22 and under for the entirety of the season (including Grand Final day). VOTE HERE.
For a player to be eligible for the squad of 44, they are required to play a minimum of five games of the home and away season. While there is a games minimum, players are rewarded for their consistency across the season.
The concept was first introduced in 2013 in the men’s competition to reward the young players who make an impact on their club and the competition so early in their careers. The inaugural AFLW team was announced in 2020 to help celebrate the achievements of the best and brightest stars of the female competition.
Voting is open from 3pm AEDT, November 6th and will close at 11:59pm AEDT, November 13th. The final team will be announced on November 20th.
