Two Crows have been highlighted amongst the best young talent in the AFL with selections in the AFL Players’ Association 22under22 squad for 2018.
Rising star contender Tom Doedee and dashing defender Wayne Milera Junior were both named in the initial 40-man squad for their performances during the home and away season.
They join the likes of Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli, Essendon ball magnet Zach Merrett and Sydney’s high-flyer Isaac Heeney in the squad.
For Doedee, the athletic defender finally broke into the senior side in Round One after two years on the list and hasn’t looked back, playing 19 of a possible 20 games.
His figures have been impressive in his debut year, averaging 18 disposals per game with a disposal efficiency of over 81
He leads the Crows for intercept marks with 38 and rundown tackles with five and is ranked second at the Club for intercept possessions with 115 and spoils with 83.
The 21-year-old was integral in Adelaide’ Round Five win over Sydney, collecting 25 disposal and 11 marks.
Doedee has not been a stranger to highlight packages this year, providing numerous spectacular moments including his chase down of Fremantle’s Michael Walters in Perth.
Wasn't our quarter, but Tom Doedee provided one major highlight with this epic chasedown #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/8ywnS15WCq
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) June 10, 2018
Since making the shift to half-back flank in the absence of defender Brodie Smith, Milera has excelled.
Playing 17 games so far this year, the 20-year-old has averaged 18.8 disposals per game.
After receiving the Mark Bickley Emerging Talent Award in 2017, the former forward was yet to reach his full potential at senior level until his breakout game against the Gold Coast Suns in Round Six where he collected 33 touches.
In recent weeks, he has shown monumental growth and has provided many highlights, finding space in congestion and breaking tackles with apparent ease.
By popular request, the Wayne Milera Junior GIF thread #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/5GDdvja57G
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 6, 2018
To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series.
Fans can now visit 22under22.com.au to cast their vote, before the final team is revealed at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Thursday, August 30. Voting closes on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.
