Hawthorn young guns Jai Newcombe and Will Day have both earned a spot in the 2023 AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 team.

In a further scalp, Newcombe has also been named as vice-captain alongside Collingwood's Nick Daicos who is captain. 

The accolade comes after Newcombe and Day continue to assert their dominance this year among a new-look Hawks midfield.

Newcombe, who first arrived at Hawthorn in 2021 as a mid-season draftee, has excited Hawks fans with his hard approach and toughness around the contest.

In just his third season, the 22-year-old followed up a break-out campaign last year in which he finished runner-up in the Peter Crimmins Medal count.

Having played every game but one so far this season, Newcombe is averaging 25.2 touches per game and ranks within the top-20 in the competition for clearances, with his work inside the stoppage setting him apart from others his age.

Prior to 2023, Day had spent most of his career in defence, but following a positional switch earlier this year he has now emerged as one of the most exciting midfielders in the game.

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. 

He is averaging 25.4 disposals, 6 marks and 4.2 clearances per game this year and produced a career-best performance in Round 11 against St Kilda with 30 touches.

It is both Newcombe’s and Day's first time selected in the final team, after Newcombe unluckily missed out in the final line-up last year after having been named in the extended squad.

The 22Under22 is a fan-voted concept that recognises the league’s best young players under the age of 22 who have made an impact on their club and the competition.

To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 or younger for the entire AFL season, including finals, and played a minimum of 12 games throughout the 2023 season.

Fellow brown and gold young gun Josh Ward was also named in the initial 44-man squad, but did not make the final team which was announced on Wednesday.