Western Bulldogs young gun Marcus Bontempelli named captain of the 2017 22Under22 team

STAR Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli’s sparkling 22 Under 22 record has continued, and this year there’s an even higher honour for the young midfielder. SEE THE FULL TEAM

Young Bomber Andrew McGrath made the team. Picture: Jay Town

STAR Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli’s sparkling 22 Under 22 record rolls on with the young gun named captain of the 2017 team.

Bontempelli, 21, has been named in the AFL Players’ Association fan-voted 22Under22 team in every one of his four AFL seasons, and will again be eligible for selection next season.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE AFLPA 22 UNDER 22 TEAM

Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett was named as his deputy, with Merrett’s Rising Star teammate Andrew McGrath also earning selection.

Bontempelli played every game this season, averaging 23 disposals per game.

Crow Jake Lever is one of the game’s hottest properties. Picture: AAP

Oh captain, our captain ... Marcus Bontempelli was named to lead the AFL’s best 22 under 22 side. Picture: Getty Images

A husky Bontempelli described the honour of leading a “great group” as “a great privilege”.

“As a young player coming to through the ranks, you enjoyed being part of privileges as such,” he said.

As for which young star from the team he’d love to recruit to the Bulldogs, he wasn’t picky.

“You wouldn’t lose with any player out of that team,” he said.

“The fact that it’s a group of young players in a team that represents ... the growth of our game is the privileges that you love to be a part of.”

Merrett, who was selected last season but earned his maiden leadership nomination this year, said it was “hard to believe” that Bontempelli remained eligible for selection next season.

“He’s been super since he started and it’s no surprise he’s been there four times,” he said.

“It’s nice to be recognised by the fans. It’s very exciting.”

The best under-22 team in the AFL — as voted by the players.

To be eligible for the team, players had to be aged 22 or younger for the entire AFL season, including finals.

Preliminary final-bound Crow Jake Lever was named on the halfback line, with ballwinning teammate Matt Crouch also selected.

Daniel Rioli won his first selection in the side and was Richmond’s only representative, while Lions forward Eric Hipwood was rewarded for his breakout season with selection at full-forward.

Originally published as Western Bulldogs young gun Marcus Bontempelli named captain of the 2017 22Under22 team