Hawthorn youngsters James Worpel and Blake Hardwick have been rewarded for their outstanding seasons in 2019 by being selected in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 squad.
Worpel is one of 18 midfielders to be named in the squad while Hardwick finds himself among 10 fellow defenders.
Having played every game so far this season, Worpel is averaging 26.3 touches per game and has recorded more possessions than any other Hawk.
The strongly-built on-baller has emerged as a contested possession machine with his work inside the stoppage setting him apart from others his age, ranking 13th in the competition for clearances in 2019.
Blake Hardwick has followed up a break-out campaign last year in which he finished runner-up in the Peter Crimmins Medal count.
Hardwick has continued to build his reputation as a tough and uncompromising defender.
Like Worpel, Hardwick is yet to miss a game this year, averaging 17.1 disposals and ranking second at the club for both one-percenters and rebound 50s.
Consistent with Brisbane’s meteoric rise up the AFL ladder, a pride of five Lions cubs have earned selection
Hugh McCluggage, Harris Andrews, Alex Witherden, Jarrod Berry and Eric Hipwood join big names Clayton Oliver, Josh Dunkley, Andy McGrath, and Jade Gresham in the 40-man squad selected by the AFLPA Board, with the support of Champion Data.
Carlton also has five representatives, with Zac Fisher, Harry McKay, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Jacob Weitering and Sam Walsh recognised for their consistency across the 2019 home and away season.
Eight players in this year’s squad have previously been selected in the final 22, with Andrews, McGrath, Oliver, Hipwood and Callum Mills looking to be selected in the final side for the third time.
To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 years or under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series.
AFL Players’ Association president, Patrick Dangerfield, said the concept is great recognition for a young player’s influence and consistency during the early stages of their career.
“This 22Under22 squad features the future stars of the game, who are already having a sizeable impact on the competition,” Dangerfield said.
“Having crossed paths with a lot of these guys on the field over the last few years, I can see that the future of our game is in great hands and these guys are only going to get better.”
Now in its seventh year, 22Under22 is the industry’s only recognised fan-voted award and provides the footy public with the power to select the final 22.
Fans can now visit 22under22.com.au to cast their vote, before the final team is revealed at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Thursday, August 29.
Fans who submit a team that matches the final 22Under22 team will automatically go into the draw to win a limited edition 22Under22 jumper signed by the captain and vice-captain.
Voting closes on Wednesday, August 21, 2019.
