Young Richmond star Shai Bolton has been rewarded for his stellar 2021 home-and-away season with selection in the AFL Players' Association's 22Under22 team.

The 22-year-old was choosen in the extended 40-man squad earlier this month, before fans had their say on the best young talent in the competition to narrow down the final 22. 

It was a case of third time lucky for the midfield talent, who was also named in the extended squad in 2019 and 2020, but was yet to gain selection into the final team until this year. 

Featuring in 89 per cent of the fan-voted teams, the exciting Tiger has been named at half-forward in the side. 

Bolton further cemented himself as a crucial member of Richmond's line-up in 2021, averaging 20 disposals and over a goal per game. 

The dual premiership-winning Tiger played 20 out of a possible 22 games, only missing two matches through injury. 

In what was his fifth AFL season, Bolton played across the midfield and half-forward line, where he showcased his silky skills and ability to impact games. The young gun booted 23 goals in 2021, the most he's kicked in a season. 

Bolton earned coaches' votes on seven occasions in 2021, including a perfect 10 in Richmond's Round 7 win over the Western Bulldogs, after a dazzling display which included 22 disposals, a game-high 10 inside-50s, seven marks, three goals, 10 score involvements and 529 metres gained. 

To be eligible for selection in the AFLPA's 22Under22 team, players must be aged 22 years or under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series, and have played a minimum of eight games.

Shai Bolton, Richmond. 20 games, 208 kicks, 82 marks, 185 handballs, averaging 19.7 disposals, 10.4 kicks, 4.1 marks, 9.3 handballs, 3.6 clearances and 4.8 inside-50s per game.