Fremantle midfielder Lachie Neale has been selected in the preliminary 22Under22 squad.
Neale's 2014 highlights include winning the Ross Glendinning Medal in the round 7 derby against West Coast and kicking the winning goal late against Carlton in round 19.
The 22Under22 concept was launched in 2013 to recognise the AFL’s best young talent.
To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 or younger for the entire AFL season (including finals).
The AFL Players’ Association Board, led by President Luke Ball, has picked a preliminary squad of 45 players, from which the footy public will decide the final team by voting on the AFL Players’ Facebook page.
Acting AFL Players’ CEO Ian Prendergast says 22Under22 is a great way to acknowledge the performances of the competition’s next generation of superstars.
“Often, players don’t get recognised for outstanding performance until later in their careers,” he said.
“Of the 22 players picked in last year’s All Australian team, only four were under the age of 25.
“22Under22 is a fantastic way to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of players who come in and have a huge impact at such a young age.”
The final 22Under22 team will be announced at the 2014 AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday, September 9.
Players named in the team will receive a specially designed, limited edition New Era cap.
Fans can vote now by selecting their 22Under22 team through the AFL Players Facebook page – entries close on Thursday, September 4.
Fans who submit a team that matches the final 22Under22 team will automatically go into the draw to win the ultimate 22Under22 prize pack.
The 22Under22 squad of 45 can be found below:
Defenders (12)
Brodie Smith (ADE)
Daniel Talia (ADE)
Jack Hombsch (POR)
Shaun Atley (NOR)
Ryan Lester (BRI)
Tom Langdon (COL)
Steven May (GC)
Trent McKenzie (GC)
Kade Kolodjashnij (GC)
Luke McDonald (NM)
Jack Newnes (STK)
Jarman Impey (PA)
Midfielders (18)
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 (BRI)
Harry Cunningham (SYD)
Forwards (13)
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 (BRI)
Troy Menzel (CAR)
Rucks (2)
Billy Longer (STK)
Jarrod Witts (COL)
Vote for Neale in the 22Under22
Fremantle midfielder Lachie Neale has been selected in preliminary squad of the 22Under22 team