Crows young guns Rory Laird, Jake Lever and Charlie Cameron 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.
This year’s 22Under22 squad has at least one nominee from each AFL club, with Laird, Lever and Cameron worthy Crows candidates among an initial 47-man squad.
Season 2015 has been a breakout year for Laird. He’s become an integral part of Adelaide’s young backline and established himself as one of the game’s best small defenders.
The former rookie has averaged a career-best 24 disposals in all 19 games this year. He's ranked No.1 at the Club for effective kicks (171) and intercept marks (34), is second for rebound 50ms (61), third for total marks (110) and has conceded less than a goal a game to his direct opponents throughout the season.
Lever has excelled in his first AFL season. He’s held down a key post in defence for the Crows and has looked calm and composed at the level.
The 19-year-old has averaged 14 possessions from 10 games this season, is fourth at Adelaide for spoils (45) and sixth in rebound 50ms (35). Lever earned a Rising Star nomination following his 24-disposal effort in Round 17 against Gold Coast.
Newly re-signed Crow Charlie Cameron has become one of Adelaide’s most dangerous forwards. Working in tandem with his close mentor Eddie Betts, Cameron has been able to hit the scoreboard regularly while providing fierce pressure in the forward half.
He’s missed just one match in his second season at the Club, averaging over a goal a game. He’s also second at the Crows for tackles inside forward 50m (23) and equal-third for goal assists (15). Cameron earned a Rising Star nomination for his 13 possessions, five tackles and a goal against Brisbane in Round 13.
The final 22Under22 team will be decided by a vote on the AFL Players’ Association Facebook page, and will be announced at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday, September 15.
Click here to create your team and vote now!
Find out more about 22Under22 at aflplayers.com.au
