Essendon midfielders Nic Martin and Archie Perkins have been named in the 22under22 squad of 44.
First introduced in 2013, the 22under22 team represents the best players in the competition aged 22 or under throughout the entirety of the 2023 season, beginning with an initial squad of 44 players decided by a Chair of Selectors headed by Michael Barlow, with assistance from Champion Data.
Since being taken as a supplemental selection on the eve of the 2022 season, Martin has proven himself one of the Bom
bers' most consistent performers, playing well beyond his years.
Martin has flourished on the wing this season, playing in every match so far and averaging 21 disposals to go along with nearly three inside 50’s per game.
Perkins, the Bombers' second selection and ninth overall in the 2021 National Draft, has shown his high ceiling as a midfield-forward option throughout his three seasons with the club to date.
Also appearing in all 20 of the Dons’ 2023 outings so far, Perkins has booted 17 goals and is averaging a career-high 15 disposals per game, including a stellar 24-disposal effort in Round 17’s crunch victory over the Crows.
The 22under22 final team will be decided via fan voting between August 10 and 17, with the final 22 announced via the AFL Players’ Association social channels on August 23.
Cast your votes to get ‘Marto’ and ‘Perko’ into the 22 here.
