Jai Newcombe, Will Day and Josh Ward have been rewarded for their outstanding seasons by being selected in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 squad.
The trio feature among 18 midfielders in the 44-man squad, with the footy public now holding the power to select the final 22.
Currently in its 11th year, the fan-voted concept recognises the league’s best young players aged 22 and under who have made an impact on their club and the competition.
PUT YOUR VOTE IN FOR NEWCOMBE, DAY AND WARD HERE
After making the switch from defence, Day has emerged as one of the most exciting midfielders in the game this year.
The agile youngster, who is averaging the third-most disposals of any Hawk this season, has since enjoyed a break-out year thriving within his new role as part of Hawthorn's engine room.
Day has been dominant across the stats sheet, averaging 25.7 disposals, 5.8 marks and 4.2 clearances per game this year.
In just his third season, Newcombe has followed up a break-out campaign last year in which he finished runner-up in the Peter Crimmins Medal count.
It is Newcombe’s second time to feature in the squad, after making the extended list in 2022.
Having played every game so far this season, Newcombe is averaging 24.5 touches per game and ranks 18th in the competition for clearances, with his work inside the stoppage setting him apart from others his age.
Second-year Hawk Ward has also received a selection in the extended squad.
After missing the middle of the season due to injury, Ward has still managed 13 games this year, averaging 21.8 disposals per match.
His best performance this year came in Round 18 against North Melbourne where he collected 28 disposals.
Hawthorn is one of eight teams to have three or more players represented in the extended squad.
To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 years or under for the entirety of the season, and have played at least 12 matches.
*** Make sure to get behind our Hawks! You can now visit 22under22.com.au to cast your vote.***
The fan who submits a team that best matches the final 22Under22 team will win their choice of either Apple AirPods Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, thanks to Snaffle.
Voting is open from August 10 to August 17.
The final team is revealed on August 23.
44-man squad:
Defenders: Nick Murray (ADE), Darcy Wilmot (BRI), Brodie Kemp (CAR), Jordan Clark (FRE), Hayden Young (FRE), Sam De Koning (GEE), Lachie Ash (GWS), Jake Bowey (MEL), Trent Rivers (MEL), Harry Sheezel (NM), Miles Bergman (PA), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (STK)
Midfielders: Will Ashcroft, Nick Daicos (COL), Nic Martin (ESS), Archie Perkins (ESS), Caleb Serong (FRE), Max Holmes (GEE), Noah Anderson (GCS), Matt Rowell (GCS), Finn Callaghan (GWS), Tom Green (GWS), Will Day (HAW), Jai Newcombe (HAW), Josh Ward (HAW), Jason Horne-Francis (PA), Errol Gulden (SYD), Chad Warner (SYD), Bailey Smith (WB)
Forwards: Luke Pedlar (ADE), Josh Rachele (ADE), Jesse Motlop (CAR), Beau McCreery (COL), Jye Amiss (FRE), Oliver Henrv (GEE), Kysaiah Pickett (MEL), Jacob Van Rooyen (MEL), Mitch Owens (STK), Logan McDonald (SYD), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (WB), Cody Weightman (WB)
Rucks: Riley Thilthorpe (ADE), Luke Jackson (FRE), Samson Ryan (RIC)
