The 2019 22Under22 team has been revealed, headlined by All Australian defender Harris Andrews, who has been voted in for a third consecutive season.
Andrews, who capped off his last year of eligibility for the side by being named captain for the first time, said he was humbled to stand alongside the game’s most talented young players.
“To be named as captain alongside three Brisbane teammates and quality young players is a huge honour,” Andrews told AFLPlayers.com.au.
“It’s wonderful to be recognised by the fans for my work this season and hopefully I can continue that into the finals series.”
Coinciding with Brisbane’s meteoric rise up the ladder, the Lions were the most represented side with four players (Andrews, Eric Hipwood, Hugh McCluggage and Alex Witherden) named in the 22Under22 team.
Callum Mills, Clayton Oliver, Andrew McGrath and Hipwood joined Andrews as three-time representatives.
Vice-captain Josh Dunkley was named in the 22Under22 team for the first-time, reflective of his career-best season in the Western Bulldogs’ engine room.
“To be named vice-captain alongside a quality player in Harris Andrews is a massive honour,” Dunkley told AFLPlayers.com.au.
“Seeing the talent in this side is a great indication for the future of football and the excitement fans can expect in years to come.”
After the release on the 40-man squad, almost 8,000 team entries were created by fans across the country.
This year’s 22Under22 side features a staggering 14 first-timers and one All Australian (Andrews).
This is the seventh year of the concept since its inception and is the only recognised AFL award voted by the fans.
