The future looks particularly bright for the Sydney Swans after four of the Club's most talented youngsters won a place in the 2017 22under22 squad.
Isaac Heeney, Zak Jones, Callum Mills and Tom Papley headline a 40-man squad selected by the AFL Players' Association following outstanding seasons in red and white.
The squad, ratified by the AFL Players' Board, acknowledges the best young talent who've achieved consistency across the regular season.
And consistency is what each has achieved this season.
Heeney, in the running to make his second consecutive 22under22 Team, has averaged 21 disposals across his 17 matches this season, playing across half-forward and through the midfield.
It's been an impressive season to date considering the 21-year-old missed the first four rounds with illness.
Mills, a fellow product of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, has become an integral part of Sydney's defence (the AFL's best) in what's been a strong second season in the system.
Jones, fresh from signing a two-year contract extension, has transitioned into the midfield seamlessly while the ever-lively Papley, thanks to his 28 goals in 2017, also earns a nod.
To be eligible, players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the 2017 season, including the finals series.
Now in its fifth year, 22Under22 is the industry’s only recognised fan-voted award and provides the footy public with the authority to select the final team.
AFL Players’ Association President Matthew Pavlich said that this year’s selection process was a difficult talk given the array of talent on display.
"There’s quality in every position and given the impact some of these players are already having on the competition, it’s hard to believe they are still in the infancy of their careers," he said.
"This concept gives us the opportunity to recognise the young players across the competition who are the next generation of stars. It’s also something the fans can genuinely impact, so make sure your vote counts."
Fans can now visit 22under22.com.au to cast their vote, before the final 2017 22Under22 Team is revealed at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday, September 12.
Fans who submit a team that matches the final 22Under22 team will automatically go into the draw to win the 22Under22 prize pack.
Voting closes on Wednesday, September 6.
22Under22 squad of 40
Midfielders
Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs), Zach Merrett (Essendon), Patrick Cripps (Carlton), Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans), Christian Petracca (Melbourne), Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide), Clayton Oliver (Melbourne), Josh Kelly (GWS Giants), Matt Crouch (Adelaide Crows), Jack Sinclair (St Kilda), Jack Steele (St Kilda), Zak Jones (Sydney Swans), Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs), Dom Sheed (West Coast), Lachie Hunter (Western Bulldogs), Toby McLean (Western Bulldogs)
Forwards
Orazio Fantasia (Essendon), Jack Billings (St Kilda), Lewis Taylor (Brisbane Lions), Jack Martin (Gold Coast Suns), Dan Butler (Richmond), Peter Wright (Dual position) (Gold Coast Suns), Charlie Curnow (Carlton), Darcy Moore (Collingwood), Eric Hipwood (Brisbane Lions), Daniel Rioli (Richmond), Tom Papley (Sydney), Cam McCarthy (Fremantle)
Defenders
Jake Lever (Adelaide Crows), Harris Andrews (Brisbane Lions), Oscar McDonald (Melbourne), Tom Barrass (West Coast), Jayden Hunt (Melbourne), Callum Mills (Sydney Swans), Ryan Burton (Hawthorn), Andrew McGrath (Essendon), Luke McDonald (North Melbourne), James Sicily (Hawthorn), Connor Blakely (Fremantle Dockers)
Rucks
Peter Wright (Dual position) (Gold Coast Suns) and Sean Darcy (Fremantle)
