Western Bulldogs young guns Aaron Naughton and Bailey Smith have earned selection in the 2020 AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad.

The duo feature in the initial 40-player squad, which is selected by the AFLPA Board with the support of Champion Data.

A fan voting process determines the final 22.

Ten players in this year’s squad have previously been selected in the final 22 – including Aaron Naughton, who will be targeting back-to-back selections.

Smith has enjoyed a sensational second season as a midfielder, averaging 21.3 disposals per game.

Naughton is one of five key forwards vying for selection this year, alongside Ben King, Max King, Harry McKay and Oscar Allen.

The 20-year-old came head-to-head with his former Western Australia under-18s teammate Allen on Sunday night, as the Bulldogs narrowly edged past the West Coast Eagles.

A big moment late in the game drew a big smile from Naughton.

“I’m good mates with Oscar Allen and in the contest before we squared-off in the ruck and were laughing at each other,” Naughton told the Herald Sun following his selection.

“He got that hit-out and I was like, ‘Next contest I’m going to win’ and it was a mongrel kick in and I just willed myself to get to the footy.

“I jumped up and was able to get there in time. We both flew for the mark and we both hit bodies and came down, and I came down with the footy.”

Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli holds the record with five 22Under22 jumpers.

To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 years or under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series, and have played a minimum of eight games.

Now in its eighth 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 on September 22. 

Voting closes on Friday, September 18, 2020.