Dyson Heppell leads 45-man 2014 AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad

ESSENDON midfielder Dyson Heppell is among a host of young AFL stars selected in the AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad.

Round 20: Richmond v Essendon AFLR2014 Picture:Wayne Ludbey Dyson Heppell kicks at goal in the last term

ESSENDON midfielder Dyson Heppell is among a host of young AFL stars selected in the AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad.

22Under22 was created in 2013.

Heppell was named the captain of the 2013 22Under22 team and one of 11 players from the inaugural team selected in this year’s squad.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL SQUAD

“It was a real honour getting selected in that side. There were some fantastic players from across the league picked in (last year’s) team and I think it’s a fantastic initiative from the Players’ Association to have a 22Under22 side,” Heppell said.

MORE: THE RISE AND RISE OF DYSON HEPPELL

The squad was selected by the nine-member AFL Players’ board, led by president Luke Ball, and fans have the opportunity to decide the final 22 by voting via Facebook and Twitter.

TO SUBMIT YOUR 2014 AFL PLAYERS 22UNDER22 TEAM VISIT THE AFL PLAYERS FACEBOOK OR CLICK HERE

To be eligible players must be 22 years old or under for the entire 2014 season and Ball believes this concept acknowledges the standing of young players in the competition.

“Players that have managed to have a consistent impact on the competition at such a young age should be duly recognised,” Ball said.

Every club has a nominee in the preliminary squad, with Gold Coast leading the way with eight.

Fremantle, Geelong, Sydney, Carlton, Melbourne, West Coast and Richmond have just one.

2013 22Under22 captain Dyson Heppell with vice-captain Jack Ziebell.

Western Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli and Brisbane Lion Lewis Taylor are among eight first-year players in the squad.

Heppell endorsed the fans ability to decide the final team by voting via social media.

“I think it’s fantastic (to see fans getting involved) — there are a lot of fans that watch the game quite intently and it was a good spread of players, from across a lot of different sides, in the team last year. It was great to see a lot of fans interacting with the concept.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2013 22UNDER22 TEAM

When selecting their teams fans must choose seven defenders, seven forwards, seven midfielders and one ruck in their 22Under22 team.

The final team will be announced at the AFL Players’ MVP awards night on Tuesday, September 9.

The fan whose team best matches the 2014 22Under22 team will win a prize pack including a limited edition 22Under22 jumper, New Era hat and set of select trading cards, all signed by the 22Under22 captain.

Daniel Talia is one of 18 defenders in the 22Under22 squad of 45. Pic: Sarah Reed.

DEFENDERS

Brodie Smith (ADE)

Daniel Talia (ADE)

Jack Hombsch (PA)

Shaun Atley (NM)

Ryan Lester (BL)

Tom Langdon (COL)

Steven May (GC)

Trent McKenzie (GC)

Kade Kolodjashnij (GC)

Luke McDonald (NM)

Jack Newnes (STK)

Jarman Impey (PA)

Brandon Ellis is on track for his second 22Under22 selection. Picture: Wayne Ludbey.

MIDFIELDERS

Adam Treloar (GWS)

Dyson Heppell (ESS)

Dion Prestia (GC)

Jaeger O’Meara (GC)

David Swallow (GC)

Jackson Macrae (WB)

Brandon Ellis (RIC)

Ollie Wines (PA)

Luke Parker (SYD)

Tom Liberatore (WB)

Dom Tyson (MEL)

Luke Dahlhaus (WB)

Lachie Neale (FRE)

Brad Hill (HAW)

Jared Polec (PA)

Cam Guthrie (GEE)

James Aish (BL)

Harry Cunningham (SYD)

RUCKS

Billy Longer (STK)

Jarrod Witts (COL)

Rising Star favourite Marcus Bontempelli is one of four Western Bulldogs in the squad. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

FORWARDS

Chad Wingard (PA)

Jack Gunston (HAW)

Harley Bennell (GC)

Jamie Elliott (COL)

Jake Carlisle (ESS)

Jack Darling (WC)

Devon Smith (GWS)

Tom Lynch (GC)

Jack Billings (STK)

Marcus Bontempelli (WB)

Jeremy Cameron (GWS)

Lewis Taylor (BL)

Troy Menzel (CAR)