Crows defenders Rory Laird and Jake Lever have been selected in the 2015 22Under22 team unveiled at the AFL Players’ Awards in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Laird, 21, was named in a back pocket while 19-year-old Lever held down the key post at centre-half back in his debut AFL season. Western Bulldogs star Jake Stringer was named skipper, with Sydney Swans’ tough nut Luke Parker appointed vice-captain.

It’s further recognition for Laird, who was last week included in the All Australian squad, and was also nominated by his teammates as Adelaide’s Most Courageous Player. A strong and injury-free pre-season put the former rookie on track for a career-best year. He has played every game, averaging a personal-best 24.2 disposals.

Adelaide’s first pick in last year’s AFL National Draft, Lever has played 12 matches so far this season. The Calder Cannons recruit has impressed with his composure under pressure, leadership and competitiveness. Crows forward Charlie Cameron was selected in the initial squad of 47, but missed out on selection in the 22.

Two Adelaide backmen also made the cut last year, All Australian pair Daniel Talia and Brodie Smith.

The all-star 22under22 line-up was made up of players from 12 of the 18 AFL clubs. Greater Western Sydney was best represented, with four Giants – Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel, Jeremy Cameron and Devon Smith – selected in the final team.

Gold Coast and Port Adelaide each had three players named in the team, with Kade Kolodjashnij, Adam Saad and Tom Lynch of the Suns getting the nod and Jack Hombsch, Ollie Wines and Chad Wingard representing the Power.

Wingard and Richmond’s Brandon Ellis became the only players to have gained selection in every 22Under22 team since the award’s inception, after being picked for a third consecutive year.

Thirteen players were named in the 22Under22 team for the first time, while seven were selected for a second time.

For the third season, aflplayers.com.au called on footy fans to decide the final team by selecting their best 22Under22 via the AFL Players’ Facebook page, after the AFL Players’ Board – led by AFL Players’ President Matthew Pavlich – selected the initial squad of 47.