Nat Grider, Jesse Wardlaw and Tahlia Hickie have all been named in the 2022 AFL Players Association's 22Under22 team.
The Lions trio were recognised for their standout performances across the 2022 NAB AFLW season, with the 22Under22 side representing the competition’s best 22 players under the age of 22.
This is Grider and Wardlaw’s second selection in the 22Under22 side, with Grider previously selected in 2021 and Wardlaw in 2020.
Grider’s nod comes as the 21-year-old is in the midst of a career-best season, asserting her position as a key component of the Lions relentless defensive unit.
Despite the absence of veteran defender Kate Lutkins in the Lions backline, Grider has stepped up alongside Captain Bre Koenen and key defender Shannon Campbell to play an influential role in several Lions victories this season.
She was the second most popular player in the fan-voted 22Under22 side, with 86% of fans selecting her in their team.
Jesse Wardlaw has also produced another strong season of football to earn a place in the 22Under22 side after steadily building over the past three seasons.
A key tall in the Lions forward line, Wardlaw has consistently performed in the air and on the ground in the Lions offensive efforts throughout their 2022 AFLW campaign.
The 22-year-old averaged 3.9 score involvements and 2.6 marks per game, while still booting a total seven goals and eight behinds herself throughout the AFLW home and away season.
Tahlia Hickie earnt her first 22Under22 nod with an impressive 2022 season.
Averaging 21.2 hit outs per game, Hickie has emerged as one of the top rucks in the competition.
A dominant performance against Geelong in Round 4 features among her season highlights.
Smashing her previous personal best of 20 recorded in last year’s Preliminary Final, Hickie made 34 hitouts, with 12 to advantage and three clearances in the clash against the Cats.
The Brisbane Lions had the equal most representatives in this year’s team with three players. The Gold Coast Suns were the only other side with as many players selected.
Players are selected for the AFL Players Association 22Under22 squad based on match statistics from Champion Data, with fans voting on the squad to determine the final team of 23.
