Western Bulldogs premiership star Marcus Bontempelli has been named to the AFL Players' Association's 22Under22 side for the fourth year in a row, and has been named as the captain of the 2017 side.
The 21-year-old - who will be eligible against next season - will skipper the side alongside Essendon's Zach Merrett, who has been named as his vice-captain.
To be eligible for selection, a player must be 22 or younger for the entire AFL season, all the way up until grand final day.
The minor premiers had two representatives in the side, with in-demand defender Jake Lever joining All-Australian midfielder Matt Crouch in the 22.
Sydney lead the way with three players earning selection, as young guns Callum Mills, Tom Papley and Isaac Heeney have all been named.
Essendon Rising Star winner Andrew McGrath was named in the back pocket, and said it was quite the honour.
โTo be selected is a massive honour for me because thereโs so many great players included,โ McGrath told aflplayers.com.au.
โBeing in a side with the likes of Zach Merrett and Josh Kelly is pretty amazing.โ
After the initial 40-man squad was selected by the AFLPA Board, the final 22 was entirely voted by the fans.
2017 22Under22 team
B: Andrew McGrath (Essendon), Harris Andrews (Brisbane), Callum Mills (Sydney)
HB: Jayden Hunt (Melbourne), Jake Lever (Adelaide), Ryan Burton (Hawthorn)
C: Josh Kelly (GWS), Clayton Oliver (Melbourne), Zach Merrett (VC, Essendon)
HF: Jack Billings (St Kilda), Charlie Curnow (Carlton), Jack Martin (Gold Coast)
F: Orazio Fantasia (Essendon), Eric Hipwood (Brisbane), Tom Papley (Sydney)
Foll: Peter Wright (Gold Coast), Marcus Bontempelli (C, Western Bulldogs), Matt Crouch (Adelaide)
Inter: James Sicily (Hawthorn), Isaac Heeney (Sydney), Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide), Daniel Rioli (Richmond)
