Star Richmond AFLW player Monique Conti has been named captain of the AFLPA's AFLW 22Under22 side for 2022.
The 22-year-old was chosen in the extended squad of 40 squad earlier this month, before fans had their say on the best young talent in the competition to narrow down the final 22.
Featuring in 92 per cent of the fan-voted teams, the midfield sensation featured in the final 22Under22 team for the third consecutive year.
The two-time Richmond AFLW Best and Fairest winner took her game to another level in 2022. After multiple seasons juggling AFLW with her WNBL commitments, she made the decision to focus solely on football this season, and with great success.
In her fifth AFLW season overall and third at Tigerland, Conti played all 10 of Richmond's home and away games. She scored a perfect 10 from the coaches on three occasions and featured in the votes for every round except one, finishing sixth on the overall AFLW Champion Of The Year leaderboard.
The decorated youngster averaged 24 disposals per game across the season, 337 metres gained, five clearances, six tackles and led the competition for contested possessions (15.2).
Conti's leadership skills have also flourished. With skipper Katie Brennan and vice-captains Sarah Hosking and Harriet Cordner out with injury for Richmond's final-round clash against Collingwood, Conti stepped up to captain the side for the first time.
To be eligible for selection in the AFLPA's 22Under22 AFLW team, players must be aged 22 years or under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series, and have played 50 per cent of season games, equating to five matches.
Monique Conti, Richmond. 10 games, 117 kicks, 16 marks, 122 handballs, averaging 24 disposals, 11.7 kicks, 15.2 contested possessions, 6.2 tackles, 12.2 handballs, 337 metres gained, 5.3 clearances and 3.2 inside-50s per game.
