Five young Bulldogs have made the preliminary 40-man squad in the AFL Players’ Association 22under22 representative team for 2018.
Bailey Williams, Billy Gowers, Marcus Bontempelli, Toby McLean and Tim English have been named in the squad, selected by the AFLPA Board for their performances across the 2018 home and away season.
Highlighting the best young talent in the league, the AFLPA’s 22under22 concept was first introduced in 2013. To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series.
Bontempelli’s nomination means he is in the running to win 22Under22 honours for a fifth straight season. He was named captain of the 2016 and 2017 teams.
The Bulldogs’ vice-captain has averaged 23 possessions and a goal a game this season.
McLean has averaged 24.5 disposals and six tackles a game in a standout season, while Gowers in his first year at the kennel shares the leading goal kicking tally with Bontempelli (22).
Although interrupted by injury, Williams and English have continued to show strong glimpses of their ability.
Williams has averaged 17 disposals off half back and through the midfield, while second-year ruckman, English, added to his game tally in 2018, playing seven matches before suffering a foot injury.
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 30
Voting closes on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.
