Lions winger Hugh McCluggage has been named in the AFLPA’s 22Under22 team, an honorary representative team that recognises the best young talent in the AFL each year.

For the second straight year, McCluggage has proven he’s a genuine star of the competition, averaging over 18 disposals in 2020, 7.8 of which are contested alongside 6.5 ground ball gets per game.

McCluggage was selected in 81.32% of teams – the third most out of any player.

The versatile North Ballarat Rebels product has been selected in the squad for three straight years but missed out on final team selection in 2018.

Fellow Lions Jarrod Berry and Zac Bailey were also selected in the 40-man squad alongside McCluggage, but didn’t progress to the final 22-man team. The squad is chosen by the AFL Player’s Association, and the final 22 comes down to a fan vote.

The former Round 1 draft pick’s selection into the team compliments an outstanding year from the Brisbane Lions, who have again finished second on the ladder after the home-and-away season.