The AFL Players' Association has revealed the final 22under22 team for 2023, headlined by some of the best young players in the league.
The side has Nick Daicos leading as captain after another really strong year that has him as a potential top candidate for the Brownlow as well. This season, Daicos has averaged 31.3 disposals (elite), 3.2 marks (average), and 4 clearances (average) with 18 goals kicked as a versatile player across all positions on the field.
Hawthorn young gun Jai Newcombe joins him as his vice-captain. Newcombe has been a key to the Hawks' rebuild as one of the most exciting young sides in the competition. His numbers are impressive with 25.2 disposals (above average), 5.7 clearances (above average), and 4.4 tackles (average).
Fremantle had the most players selected in the side with four - Caleb Serong, Luke Jackson, Jye Amiss and Hayden Young - as the Bulldogs trailed with three - Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Bailey Smith and Cody Weightman.
14 of the 18 AFL clubs had at least one player feature in the final 22.
2023 22under22 team
B: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (St Kilda) - Sam De Koning (Geelong) - Miles Bergman (Port Adelaide)
HB: Nick Daicos (C) (Collingwood) - Hayden Young (Fremantle) - Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne)
C: Errol Gulden (Sydney Swans) - Caleb Serong (Fremantle) - Will Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)
HF: Mitch Owens (St Kilda) - Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Western Bulldogs) - Cody Weightman (Western Bulldogs)
FF: Kysaiah Pickett (Melbourne Demons) - Jye Amiss (Fremantle) - Josh Rachele (Adelaide Crows)
FOLL: Luke Jackson (Fremantle) - Tom Green (GWS) - Jai Newcombe (VC) (Hawthorn)
I/C: Bailey Smith (Western Bulldogs) - Chad Warner (Sydney Swans) - Will Day (Hawthorn) - Noah Anderson (Gold Coast)
Whilst this is a strong list, some players have been considered unlucky to not make the final team. Among the list to miss the team are:
Backs: Nick Murray, Darcy Wilmot, Brodie Kemp, Jordan Clark, Lachie Ash, Jake Bowey, and Trent Rivers.
Midfielders: Nic Martin, Archie Perkins, Max Holmes, Matt Rowell, Finn Callaghan, Josh Ward, Jason Horne Francis.
Forwards: Luke Pedlar, Jesse Motlop, Beau McCreery, Oliver Henry, Jacob Van Rooyen.
Rucks: Riley Thilthorpe and Samson Ryan.
Teams featured in the 22under22 team:
Adelaide Crows (1x), Brisbane Lions (1x), Carlton (0x), Collingwood (1x), Essendon (0x) Fremantle (4x), Geelong (1x), Gold Coast (1x), GWS (1x), Hawthorn (2x), Melbourne (1x), North Melbourne (1x), Port Adelaide (1x), Richmond (0x), St Kilda (2x), Sydney Swans (2x), West Coast (0x), Western Bulldogs (3x)
