Young guns Marco Paparone, Justin Clarke and Lewis Taylor 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.
Paparone, Clarke and Taylor have been picked in the initial 47-man squad selected by the AFL Players’ Association Board.
The final 22Under22 team will be decided by fans, with the AFL Players’ Association calling on all footy fans to cast their votes by liking the AFL Players’ Facebook page and selecting a 22Under22 team from the 47-man squad.
Melbourne forward Chris Dawes, one of the AFL Players’ board-members given the task of selecting the initial squad, says he’s amazed by the quality of young talent he comes up against each weekend.
“It takes time to find your feet at AFL level, so it’s really astounding what these guys have been able to do – not just to get games but come in and perform well in games.
“A lot of the guys in this squad are fast becoming their team’s most important player.”
This year’s 22Under22 squad has at least one nominee from each AFL club, with Paparone, Clarke and Taylor selected from Brisbane.
Wiry defender Paparone grew in stature throughout 2015 to put together his best season at AFL level. Moving into defence, the 20-year-old often played on bigger and stronger opponents, but still managed to find his own ball and negate dangerous forwards most weeks. Paparone is one of several young key position players the Lions will be looking to build a team around over the next decade.
One of the game’s most improved key defenders, Clarke held down a post in the Lions’ backline throughout 2015 in the absence of more experienced teammates. Often battling out of his weight range while taking on the opposition’s power forwards, the 21-year-old battled manfully throughout a difficult season at Brisbane. 16 disposals and six rebound 50s in Round 13 was a highlight for the lockdown backman.
Taylor backed up his Rising Star winning debut season, increasing his output and spending more time in the midfield in 2015. The pocket-rocket averaged 20 disposals per game, showing his trademark zip around the ground. Thirty-two disposals against Melbourne in Round 16 was a best showing for the 20-year-old.
The final 22Under22 team will be announced at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday, September 15.
You can vote for Paparone, Clarke, and Taylor by submitting your 22Under22 team via the AFL Players’ Facebook page before Wednesday, September 9. Everyone who enters a team will have a chance to win the ultimate 22Under22 prize pack.
Click here to create your team and vote now!
Find out more about 22Under22 at aflplayers.com.au
