In an exciting sign of the Lions future, two young stars have been named in the AFL Player’s Association 22Under22 team for 2021.
Young Lions Brandon Starcevich and Zac Bailey have been voted into the AFLPA’s 22Under22 Team after breakout seasons.
Their on-field impact has seen the pair recognised in the final side, with the side representing the publics highest rated young stars across the competition.
Having been in All Australian form earlier in the year, Starcevich’s selection in the 22Under22 is a just reward for the impressive young defender.
In only his fourth season, Starcevich has already developed a reputation across the competition for being a tough, lockdown defender with great pace and strength for his size.
The 22-year-old has been trusted with the responsibility to shut down some of the competition’s best small forwards, where he has risen to the challenge and taken several big scalps.
The likes of Dustin Martin, Tom Papely, Jordan de Goey, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Robbie Gray have all had minimal influence in their matches when opposed to ‘The Glove’.
Speedster Zac Bailey has also seen his crafty efforts rewarded by the fans with selection in the 22Under22 side.
The 21-year-old caused regular headaches for defenders, combining his explosive speed and quick thinking in front of goal to impact the Lions scoreboard.
Booting 28 goals throughout the regular home and away season, including a season-high four goals on two separate occasions, Bailey has become a mainstay in the Lions’ midfield.
In Round 3, Bailey’s name was written in Lion's folklore when he kicked the winning goal after the siren to sink a tough Collingwood side at Marvel Stadium.
