Sydney Swans youngsters James Rowbottom, Errol Gulden, Justin McInerney and Tom McCartin have been selected in the AFL Players’ Association 22under22 squad released today (Wednesday, August 11).
The four are among the 40 man squad consisting of a pool of talent boasting some of the competition’s brightest young stars.
Now in its eighth year, 22under22 is a fan-voted concept that recognises the best 22 players aged 22 and under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series.
For a player to be eligible, to be selected in the squad they must have played a MINIMUM of 12 games throughout the 2021 season. Whilst there is a games minimum, players are rewarded for their consistency across the season.
Sydney have the second most representation this season, behind the Gold Coast Suns and Melbourne, with four players named.
Midfielder James Rowbottom is one of 20 players in this year's 40-man squad who have previously been named in the 22under22 squad. During his 14 games this season, his is averaging 15 disposals and over 6 tackles a game.
Fellow midfielder Justin McInerney is averaging close to 18 disposals, 5 marks and a tackle from his 18 matches this season.
McCartin, who enters his fourth year in the AFL, is having a career high 13 disposals, 1 tackle, 2 intercept marks and 6 spoils on average across his 19 matches this season.
Gulden has also impressed in his debut year with 15 disposals, 4 marks, three tackles and close to a game each week following his 15 matches this season.
Voting is now open and we are encouraging all Swans members and fans to visit 22under22.com.au to cast their vote, before the final team is revealed on August 24 via the AFL Players’ Association social media channels.
If your team matches the final fan-voted 22Under22, you could WIN a 22Under22 guernsey signed by the Captain and Vice-Captain PLUS automatically go in the running to win one of 20 prizes from Snaffle!
Voting closes Wednesday August 18, 2021.
22under22 40-man squad:
Defenders: Jordan Butts, Bradon Starcevich, Isaac Quaynor, Jordan Ridley, Charlie Ballard, Wil Powell, Sam Taylor, Changkuoth Jiath, Harrison Petty, Trent Rivers, Tom McCartin
Midfielders: Sam Walsh, Josh Daicos, Adam Cerra, Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong, Jack Lukosius, Noah Anderson, Tom Green, James Worpel, James Jordan, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Willem Drew, Shai Bolton, James Rowbottom, Justin McInerney, Bailey Smith
Rucks: Luke Jackson, Oscar Allen
Forwards: Harry Schoenberg, Zac Bailey, Ben King, Dylan Moore, Kysaiah Pickett, Jaidyn Stephenson, Tarryn Thomas, Mitchell Georgiades, Max King, Errol Gulden, Aaron Naughton
