Three Carlton young guns have been named in the 2016 AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 squad. 

Midfielder Patrick Cripps, who also made last year’s team, as well as defenders Sam Docherty and Jacob Weitering have all been recognised for their outstanding performances throughout the year. 

The 50-man squad was ratified by the AFL Players’ Board and acknowledges the best young players who have achieved consistency across the 2016 home-and-away season. 

Cripps is currently ranked No. 1 in the competition for clearances and 2^nd in the AFL for contested possessions and handballs, while Docherty is ranked 4^th in the league for rebound 50s and No. 1 at the Club for marks. 

Weitering, who is playing his first year of AFL footy after being drafted last year, has seamlessly slotted in the Blues’ back six and is ranked third at the club for marks and fifth for one percenters. 

Now in its fourth year, 22Under22 is the industry’s only recognised fan-voted award and provides the footy public with the authority to select the final team. 

AFL Players’ Association President Matthew Pavlich says that this year’s selection process was particularly difficult due to the high calibre of eligible candidates. 

“It’s really promising to sit back and look at the young players coming through that are already consistently strong performers so early on in their career,” he said.

“Some of these guys in this squad have only been in the AFL system for one or two years and a few of them are already considered their team’s most important player, so it’s a really exciting time for the future of the game – I can’t wait to see who the fans select as their final 22.” 

Supporters can now visit 22under22.com.au to cast their vote, before the final 2016 22Under22 team is revealed at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday 13 September.

Fans who submit a team that matches the final 22Under22 team will automatically go into the draw to win the 22Under22 prize pack. 

Voting closes on Tuesday 6th September, so make sure you log on and vote for our Carlton boys! 

**To be eligible, players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the 2016 season, including the finals series.