A league-high five Fremantle players are in the running for selection in the AFL Players 22under22 after the Club’s youth stood tall throughout a challenging season.
Caleb Serong, Hayden Young and Jordan Clark are all vying for their second 22under22 jumper after earning selections last year.
Former Demon Luke Jackson has also been named in the extended squad of 44, with the forward / ruck looking for his third selection in the 22u22 team.
Key forward Jye Amiss rounds out the five Fremantle players as a first-time nominee.
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Fremantle’s five nominations come after having a league-high four players make the 22under22 in 2022. Young, Serong and Clark were joined by the now 23-year-old Andrew Brayshaw, who was named as captain.
Youngy the mid 😮💨 #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/zRKrJWYO6H
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) August 8, 2023
Young said the five nominated players highlighted the potential of Fremantle’s squad.
“It's good recognition for the young boys who have had good years and there's probably a few more that were stiff to miss out,” Young said.
“Out of all the Clubs, we have the most in the under 22 squad. It's good recognition and just goes to show that we've got an exciting young group of players that are moving forward together.
“We've fielded a younger side than probably what we did last year in most weeks.
“It hasn't been the season we wanted it in terms of win loss but we're playing the long game and we've had a lot of growth in those younger players who are now coming on to become stars of the game.”
Of the five, Serong has put up the most impressive numbers. He ranks third for disposals, seventh for contested possessions and fifth for clearances despite playing 19 of a potential 20 games.
Young highlighted Jye Amiss’ 34 goals from his 19 games so far this season as the highlight of Freo’s next generation, however the coaches votes from Freo’s narrow loss to Brisbane also show the depth of talent.
Jackson earned the perfect 10 votes for arguably a career-best performance in the ruck, while Serong and Young had four votes each for their efforts in the midfield.
All three were top 10 picks in the 2019 draft, alongside Liam Henry who starred on the wing with 24 disposals and eight contested possessions.
“Jye Amiss has kicked 30 plus goals this year, and he’s going to be a superstar in the future,” Young said.
“All those boys had fantastic years. Caleb's obviously gone from strength to strength.
“Luke Jackson's been outstanding too, and Clarky is just so consistent off half back.
“They're really important players for us and hopefully we can all stay here as a core group and win a premiership one day.”
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