A young Brisbane Lions side has shone brightly in the NAB AFL Women’s Season 7 home and away season, with five players nominated in the AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad.
Belle Dawes, Courtney Hodder, Nat Grider, Tahlia Hickie and Jesse Wardlaw have all been nominated in the 44-player squad for their quality and consistent performances.
Dawes, a tenacious midfielder, will be aiming for her first selection in the final team, after previously being selected for the squad in 2021.
The 21-year-old notched up career-best tallies in her disposals, tackles and clearances across the home and away season, including a whopping 52 tackles over the 10 home and away games.
Competition leading goalkicker Wardlaw is up for her third selection in the team, having been selected in both the 2020 and 2022 (Season Six) seasons.
Wardlaw’s selection in the squad follows an outstanding season for the tall forward which saw her equal Adelaide’s Ash Woodland’s competition record of 19 goals across the home and away season.
Livewire forward Hodder earns her third squad selection (2021, 2022 Season Six) after an impressive season that saw her hone-in on her defensive pressure in the forward 50.
Hodder currently sits second in the competition for tackles inside 50 with 32, complimenting her nine goals and countless pressure acts this season.
Lions Vice-Captain Grider continued to build off her All-Australian form in Season Six to earn her third selection in the 22Under22 squad (2021, 2022 Season Six).
Ruck talent Hickie has earnt her second selection in the 22Under22 squad off the back of another strong season.
The 22-year-old took her game to new heights in Season Seven, averaging 21.1 hitouts per game (+2.3% on career average), as well as a career high 34 hitouts in Round 2 against GWS.
The Lions have the greatest number of players in the squad of any Club with five players nominated.
Fans now have their chance to get behind their favourite Lions, with voting open for seven days from November 9 to November 16.
The final team of 22 will be announced on November 22 via the AFL Players’ Association’s social media channels.
Players are selected by the AFL Players Association based on match statistics from Champion Data.
Due to such a high number of quality candidates, the squad was increased to 44 for Season 7 (previously 40).
The concept was first introduced to reward young players who make an impact on their Club and the competition so early in their careers, with this edition the fourth iteration of the AFLW 22Under22.
To vote for your favourite Lion in the 22Under22, CLICK HERE.
