Two Carlton players have been named in the AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad, which honours some of the game’s most exciting young talent.
Young gun Patrick Cripps and power tall Charlie Curnow feature in the initial 40-man squad, chosen by the AFLPA Board for their outstanding performances throughout the 2017 season.
To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series.
After securing a spot among the team’s midfielders in 2015 and 2016, Cripps will be hoping for his third successive selection in the side.
The 22-year-old notched up his 50th AFL game in the Blues' Round 6 clash with Sydney earlier this year, breaking the record for the most clearances and contested possessions recorded at the half-century mark since stats were recorded in 1999.
The midfield bull featured in each of Carlton’s matches from the season opener to Round 16, where he sustained a fracture to his fibula, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
Curnow, 20, is looking for his first 22Under22 selection after being named in the extended squad as a forward, with 18 goals over 20 games in his second AFL season.
Charlie Curnow and Patrick Cripps are the Blues' representatives in the initial 22Under22 squad. (Photo: AFL Media)
The Round 16 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee is averaging 14.3 disposals per match and is ranked first among the crop of 2017 rising star hopefuls for total inside-50s (57), 14th in the league for total contested marks (35), and third at the Club for marks (117).
Now in its fifth year, 22Under22 is the industry’s only recognised fan-voted award and provides the footy public with the authority to select the final team.
To see Cripps and Curnow feature within the final 22Under22 team, vote for the pair here.
If the 22 players you select match the final 22Under22 team, you will go into the draw to win an AFL Players’ prize pack.
Voting closes on Wednesday 6 September, with the final 22Under22 team to be announced at the AFLPA MVP Awards on Tuesday 12 September.
Click here to view the full 2017 22Under22 squad.
