Best AFL players under 22: Andy McGrath says Bombers still have ‘tremendous belief’

They’re the next generation of AFL superstars. The young giants ready to take over the mantle from the likes of Patrick Dangerfield and Nathan Fyfe. So who do the fans think are the best players under 22 in the game?

Essendon’s Andrew McGrath is part of the AFLPA’s 22Under22 squad for 2019, recognising young players of the AFL. Picture: Michael Klein

Essendon young gun Andrew McGrath says injuries are no excuse for his side’s lacklustre past two weeks and has backed the “tremendous belief” within the playing group to bring about some September success.

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The Bombers suffered their first loss in six games against Port Adelaide last weekend but were also poor against Gold Coast Suns the previous week, scraping to just a 10-point win.

However, Essendon remains two games clear inside the top-eight with three rounds to go.

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL 22UNDER22 SQUAD

“We know we have a long way to go in terms of our development and our improvement as a side but I think we’ve got tremendous belief in the group that we have and the system’s really starting to hold up now,” McGrath said.

“We haven’t been the luckiest with our injuries. But at the end of the day there’s 22 players on the field and we field the best side we can every week regardless of injuries.

“We haven’t played a perfect game of football yet this season but we’re hoping that our best footy is in front of us and hopefully that comes at the right time.”

Essendon’s Andrew McGrath is part of the AFLPA’s 22Under22 squad for 2019, recognising young players of the AFL. Picture: Michael Klein

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In his third season, 2016 No. 1 draft pick McGrath is enjoying a solid year playing in a new role on a wing, averaging 20.4 disposals.

The campaign has earnt McGrath selection in the AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad, which invites fans to vote on who they think are the best young players in the competition from a squad of 40.

“It’s really good recognition for all the hard work young players do in the league which sometimes goes a little bit unnoticed as our roles might not be as significant as some older, more experienced players,” McGrath said.

“Hopefully many of the guys in the squad will become All-Australians one day.”

Fans can vote on the 22under22 side by clicking here, with voting closing on Wednesday August 21.

2019 22UNDER22 SQUAD

Defenders: Wayne Milera (Adel), Harris Andrews (Bris), Alex Witherden (Bris), Jacob Weitering (Carl), Sam Taylor (GWS), Blake Hardwick (Haw), Bayley Fritsch (Mel), Dan Houston (PA), Sydney Stack (Rich), Jordan Dawson (Syd), Callum Mills (Syd)

Midfielders: Jarrod Berry (Bris), Hugh McCluggage (Bris), Zac Fisher (Carl), Sam Petrevski-Seton (Carl), Sam Walsh (Carl), Andrew McGrath (Ess), Darcy Parish (Ess), Darcy Tucker (Frem), Jordan Clark (Geel), Brayden Fiorini (GCS), Jacob Hopper (GWS), Tim Taranto (GWS), James Worpel (Haw), Clayton Oliver (Mel), Oliver Florent (Syd), Josh Dunkley (WB), Bailey Smith (WB)

Forward: Eric Hipwood (Bris), Harry McKay (Carl), Gryan Miers (Geel), Brent Daniels (GWS), Jy Simpkin (NM), Cameron Zurhaar (NM), Connor Rozee (PA), Shai Bolton (Rich), Jade Gresham (StK), Liam Ryan (WC), Aaron Naughton (WB)

Ruck: Tim English (WB), Harry McKay (Carl)

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