Sophie Conway and Jesse Wardlaw have been voted into the first AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 team.

 

The pair were rewarded for their consistent form and on-field impact, with the 22Under22 side representing the AFLW's best 22 players under the age of 22.

 

Their selection is the pairs’ second representative nod for the season, having also been named in the All Australian Squad earlier this month. Both also received nominations for the NAB Rising Star award, Conway in 2018 and Wardlaw in 2019.

 

In her first year back after an ACL injury, Conway was strong for the Lions on the wing. Her pressure around the ball went up a notch and she was able to play all matches including the AFLW Semi Final with her best performance being Round 2’s win over Geelong.

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Conway's first-class finish excites teammates

Sophie snaps through a brilliant goal in our game against the Suns

 

Second-year forward Wardlaw also shone in the Club’s win over the Cats and was rewarded with an AFLW Rising Star nomination in what has been her breakout season. The 20-year-old solidified her role up front for her Lions teammates in the forward 50. Wardlaw kicked nine goals during the season, with her highest being three against Geelong.

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Great ball movement sets up Wardlaw

O'Dwyer and Wuetschner get the ball moving through the ground to assist Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw.

The full 22Under22 team is below.