The only AFL award where the fans hold the ultimate power
In short: In a league governed by complex statistics and professional scouting, one honorary team breaks the mold by handing the final vote to the public. It is a unique democratic exercise that identifies the league's brightest young talents while bridging the gap between the stadium and the sofa.
The 22 Under 22 team is an honorary representative squad curated by the AFL Players' Association. Its primary purpose is to spotlight the most promising young talent across both the AFL and AFLW competitions. To qualify, a player must be 22 years old or younger for the duration of the entire season, including the finals. The selection process begins with a professional filter: the AFL Players' Board narrows the field down to an initial squad of 40 players.
What follows is a unique shift in authority. While most league honors are decided by panels of experts, this team is determined by public opinion. Fans cast their votes via social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to pick the final 22. This community engagement has proven popular with the athletes themselves; high-profile figures like Gary Ablett Jr. and Isaac Smith have shared their own selections online, and various journalists have also participated in the voting process.
The history of the team reveals shifting power dynamics between clubs. For instance, the Gold Coast Suns dominated the inaugural 2013 selection with five players, while Greater Western Sydney took the lead in 2015. In the AFLW, the recognition of longevity is notable; players like Georgie Prespakis and Charlie Rowbottom have achieved rare milestones by appearing in five different squads. Rather than traditional trophies, the selected athletes receive a New Era cap designed by former player Daniel Pratt, emphasizing the team's status as a symbolic milestone of early-career excellence.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 22 Under 22 team
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