Richmond small forward duo Daniel Rioli and Dan Butler have been named in the AFL Players' Association 2017 22Under22 squad, which honours some of the game's most exciting young talent.

Rioli and Butler are the in the 40-man squad selected by the AFLPA Board for their performances across the 2017 home and away season.

To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series.

AFL Players' Association president Matthew Pavlich said finalising the squad of young stars was a difficult task given the standard 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.” 

Now in its fifth year, 22Under22 is the industry’s only recognised fan-voted award and provides the footy public with the power to select the final 22.

Fans can now visit 22under22.com.au to cast their vote, before the final 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 an AFL Players' prize pack.

Voting closes on Wednesday September 6, 2017.

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)