Five Bombers have been selected by the AFL Players' Association in the 2016 '22Under22' squad.

Zach Merrett, Joe Daniher, Darcy Parish, Marty Gleeson and Orazio Fantasia were all chosen for their stellar seasons.

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

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 said 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.”

AFL Players’ Association CEO Paul Marsh believes the 22Under22 plays an important role in not only celebrating the competition’s youth but gives the fans a voice.

“It’s great to provide a platform where the younger players are recognised and footy fans can throw their vote behind the young players they love watching each week,” he said.

Go to 22under22.com.au to pick your side.

The Full Squad:

Midfielders

Marcus Bontempelli (WB), Jack Viney (MELB), Stephen Conigilio (GWS), Josh Kelly (GWS), Patrick Cripps (CAR), Zach Merrett (ESS), Ollie Wines (PA), Matt Crouch (ADEL), Jack Crisp (COLL), Lachie Hunter (WB), Rory Atkins (ADEL), Jack Macrae (WB), Luke Dunstan (STK), Darcy Parish (ESS), Lachie Whitfield (GWS), Caleb Daniel (WB), Brad Crouch (ADEL)  

Forwards

Jake Stringer (WB), Christian Petracca (MELB), Peter Wright (GCS), Dean Kent (MELB), Tim Membrey (STK), Orazio Fantasia (ESS), Charlie Cameron (ADEL), Isaac Heeney (SYD), Jesse Hogan (MELB), James Sicily (HAW), Joe Daniher (ESS), Jack Billings (STK), Mitch McGovern (ADEL), Darcy Moore (COLL), Lincoln McCarthy (GEEL), Liam Duggan (WCE) 

Defenders

Zac Williams (GWS), Sam Docherty (CARL), Rory Laird (ADEL), Jake Lever (ADEL), Jayden Hunt (MELB), Jack Martin (GCS), Callum Mills (SYD), Jacob Weitering (CARL), Marty Gleeson (ESS), Darcy Byrne-Jones (PA), Nick Vlastuin (RICH), Kade Kolodjashnij (GCS), Tom Sheridan (FREM), Brayden Maynard (COLL), Harris Andrews (BL), Jake Kolodjashnij (GEEL) 

Rucks

Brodie Grundy (COLL), Peter Wright (GCS) (listed as both forward and ruck)