Three Western Bulldogs young guns have been endorsed for their efforts this season, named in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22 Under 22 extended 40 man squad.

The new initiative to recognise the best young talent in the competition sees Jordan Roughead, Luke Dahlhaus and Tom Liberatore on the shortlist for the under 22-year-old representative side.

Liberatore is arguably the best performed of the three this season, leading the competition in clearances, ranked third in contested possessions and fifth in total tackles.

His clean hands and tireless work ethic have allowed him to forge a career as one of the most dangerous inside midfielders in the league – despite just 53 games to his name.

Unassuming defender Roughead has flourished this season as part of the back six, handling some of the best power forwards in the league.

While the 22-year-old has played in a variety of positions in his short career, his performances down back have been crucial to the Bulldogs current form.

At the other end of the ground, Dahlhaus has continued to provide the spark that turned heads in his first two years, while learning to shrug off close attention.

Poised to play his 50^th career game in round 23, the pacey small forward has almost doubled his return on goals from last year, becoming the most influential crumbing forward in Bulldogs colours.

The three nominees place the Bulldogs in equal fourth in the competition, behind only Geelong (four), North Melbourne (four) and Gold Coast (five).

Collingwood, Fremantle, Port Adelaide and Sydney also have three players in contention.

The preliminary squad, consisting of 12 defenders, 14 midfielders, 12 forwards and two ruckmen, will be reduced to a final 22-man side via fans’ votes on the AFL Players Facebook page and Twitter handle (@AFLPlayers).