Young guns Zach Merrett and Joe Daniher have been named in the 2015 AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad.
The 22Under22 concept was introduced in 2013 to recognise the best young talent in the competition, as decided by the fans. To be eligible for this year’s team, players must be aged 22 or younger on Grand Final Day this year.
Merrett and Daniher have been picked in the initial 47-man squad selected by the AFL Players’ Association Board.
The final 22Under22 team will be decided by fans, with the AFL Players’ Association calling on all footy fans to cast their votes by liking the AFL Players’ Facebook page and selecting a 22Under22 team from the 47-man squad.
Melbourne forward Chris Dawes, one of the AFL Players’ board-members given the task of selecting the initial squad, says he’s amazed by the quality of young talent he comes up against each weekend.
“It takes time to find your feet at AFL level, so it’s really astounding what these guys have been able to do – not just to get games but come in and perform well in games.
“A lot of the guys in this squad are fast becoming their team’s most important player.”
This year’s 22Under22 squad has at least one nominee from each AFL club, with Merrett and Daniher selected from Essendon.
Merrett continued to build in his second year, claiming a selection in the 22Under22 squad for 2015. Noted for his tackle pressure and pace around the contest, the livewire half-forward exceeded the 30-disposal mark for the first time in his short career this season with 31 touches against Hawthorn in Round 13.
It’s hard to believe Daniher is the mainstay of Essendon’s forward line at only 21-years-old. The 201cm goal-kicker attacks the contest like a 10-year veteran. He booted six goals against Brisbane in Round 8 and was the difference in Round 15 against the Demons, kicking five majors – half of his side’s score – in the Bombers’ nine-point win.
The final 22Under22 team will be announced at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday, September 15.
You can vote for Merrett and Daniher by submitting your 22Under22 team via the AFL Players’ Facebook page before Wednesday, September 9. Everyone who enters a team will have a chance to win the ultimate 22Under22 prize pack.
Click here to create your team and vote now!
Find out more about 22Under22 at aflplayers.com.au
