Young guns Jack Newnes and Billy Longer have been named in the 2015 AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad.
The 22Under22 concept was introduced in 2013 to recognise the best young talent in the competition, as decided by the fans. To be eligible for this year’s team, players must be aged 22 or younger on Grand Final Day this year.
Newnes and Longer have been picked in the initial 47-man squad selected by the AFL Players’ Association Board.
The final 22Under22 team will be decided by fans, with the AFL Players’ Association calling on all footy fans to cast their votes by liking the AFL Players’ Facebook page and selecting a 22Under22 team from the 47-man squad.
Melbourne forward Chris Dawes, one of the AFL Players’ board-members given the task of selecting the initial squad, says he’s amazed by the quality of young talent he comes up against each weekend.
“It takes time to find your feet at AFL level, so it’s really astounding what these guys have been able to do – not just to get games but come in and perform well in games.
“A lot of the guys in this squad are fast becoming their team’s most important player.”
This year’s 22Under22 squad has at least one nominee from each AFL club, with Newnes and Loner selected from St Kilda.
Newnes continued to build on his career with his best year yet in 2015. Adding consistency to his role at half-back, the 22-year-old was a key figure in the Saints' rise up the ladder. Rarely lowering his colours this season, Newnes will be one of the first picked by coach Alan Richardson for years to come.
Longer came of age in 2015, drawing praise for his workmanlike efforts around the ground. Also becoming one of the premier tap-ruckman in the game, the 22-year-old’s 51 hitouts, 20 disposals, 15 contested possessions, five tackles and four clearances against the Blues in Round 4 was a highlight.
The final 22Under22 team will be announced at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday, September 15.
You can vote for Newnes and Longer by submitting your 22Under22 team via the AFL Players’ Facebook page before Wednesday, September 9. Everyone who enters a team will have a chance to win the ultimate 22Under22 prize pack.
Click here to create your team and vote now!
Find out more about 22Under22 at aflplayers.com.au
