Dustin Martin and Brandon Ellis have been named in the inaugural AFL Players’ Association 22under22 squad.
22under22 is a new concept that recognises the best 22 young players in the competition.
Martin and Ellis have been nominated for the 40-man squad by the AFL Players’ Association Board and fans will decide the final team by voting via social media.
AFL Players’ Association CEO Matt Finnis says the 22under22 concept celebrates the abundance of young talent across the competition.
“The average age of the All-Australian team was 27 last year so this concept provides these young players with a rite of passage and acts as a form guide for who those future stars of the competition might be,” Finnis said.
AFL Players’ Association President Luke Ball agrees.
“Guys that have managed to have a consistent impact on the competition at such a young age should be duly recognised,” he said.
While Martin showcased his brilliance routinely over the past four seasons, 2013 has been by far his most consistent. The solidly-built midfielder is averaging 24 possessions and one goal per game, and has won at least 17 disposals in every game this year.
Ellis has made steady progress this year, just his second at the Tigers. His run and long kicking has been crucial to Richmond’s defensive-50 rebound. Ellis provided a glance into the future in Round 8 against Melbourne, when he had 39 disposals in a best on ground performance.
The 2013 22under22 team will be announced at the Be The Influence AFL Players’ MVP awards on September 10.
Players must be aged 22 or under for the entire AFL season in order to be eligible and those selected in the final team will be presented with a 22under22 New Era hat in a Perspex case.
Fans can vote via Facebook and Twitter from August 21 to September 4.
To vote for Dustin and Brandon go to the AFL Players’ Facebook page or the AFL Players’ Twitter.
