Emerging Richmond young guns Liam Baker, Noah Balta and Shai Bolton have been rewarded for their consistent seasons to date with selection in the AFL Players' Association's 2020 22Under22 squad.
Baker has cemented his spot in the Tigers' line-up as a small defender in 2020, maintaining a high level of performance after playing 19 senior games in 2019, including Richmond's Grand Final win over GWS.
After earning senior selection in the Round 5 win over Melbourne, key defender Balta has not missed a game since and been a key pillar of the Tigers defence with just 24 games of AFL football to his name.
Bolton, who was also named in last year's 22under22 squad, has excelled in his transition into Richmond’s midfield after entering the Queensland hub, highlighted by winning the Yiooken Award for best on ground in the Round 13 Dreamtime in Darwin win over Essendon.
To be eligible for selection, 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.
Now in its eighth 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 on September 22.
Voting closes on Friday, September 18, 2020.
Liam Baker, Richmond. 14 games in 2020. 118 kicks, 55 marks, 97 handballs averaging 8.4 kicks, 3.9 marks, 6.9 handballs. 6 clearances, 17 inside 50m, 37 rebound 50m. 27 tackles.
Noah Balta, Richmond. 11 games in 2020. 83 kicks, 48 marks, 42 handballs averaging 11.4 disposals, 4.5 spoils, 2.6 intercept marks. 6 Inside 50m, 35 Rebound 50m. 12 tackles.
Shai Bolton, Richmond. 14 games in 2020. 135 kicks, 43 marks, 89 handballs averaging 16.0 disposals, 3.4 clearances. 12 Goals. 64 Inside 50m, 12 Rebound 50m. 38 tackles.
