For the second-consecutive season, reigning premiers Brisbane have dominated the 2026 AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 squad, presented by Intrepid Travel.
The Lions were the most-represented side for the second year in a row with Levi Ashcroft, Will Ashcroft, Jaspa Fletcher, Logan Morris and Darcy Wilmot all selected in the squad of 40. Brisbane’s five selections were equal with North Melbourne in this year’s squad.
Wilmot and the elder Ashcroft are gunning for their third appearances, while Fletcher, Morris and Levi are available to be selected for the second year in a row.
Representing the blue and white are Colby McKercher, Finn O’Sullivan, Harry Sheezel, Cooper Trembath and George Wardlaw, with O’Sullivan and Trembath making their 22Under22 squad debuts.
Currently ranked second in the competition for disposals, Sheezel is vying for his fourth consecutive year in the final 22. If selected in the final team by the fans, he would join fellow four-timers Nick Daicos, Luke Jackson, Bailey Smith, Andrew McGrath, Aaron Naughton and Sam Walsh.
Alongside Sheezel, previous AFLPA Best First-Year Award winners Harley Reid and Murphy Reid also star in the squad.
Harley Reid, Mac Andrew and Josh Weddle are all competing for their third appearances in the final team.
The 40-person squad is assembled by St Kilda great Leigh Montagna as Chair of Selectors, with support from the AFLPA and Champion Data.
Montagna spoke to the depth of talent available in compiling the squad.
“The process of assembling this squad certainly doesn’t get easier each year.
“The game is lucky to have so much bright young talent, all of whom are making an impact in games each weekend.
“I don’t envy the fans now charged with voting for the final team.”
For a player to be eligible for selection in the squad, they must be 22 and under for the entirety of the season (including Grand Final Day, 26 September) and have played a minimum of 12 games in 2026.
Fans will now decide the final 22Under22 team, with voting officially open at vote.22under22.com.au until Wednesday 12 August.
This year’s 22Under22 final line-up will be announced on Wednesday, 19 August via the AFLPA’s social media channels and website.
The AFLPA is proud to partner with Intrepid Travel as the major partner of the 22Under22 competition.
Intrepid Travel has been a world leader in responsible travel for 35 years. The company’s mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel, which comes to life on more than 900 trips all designed to truly experience local culture. With its own network of country offices in 35 countries, Intrepid has unique local expertise and perspectives. Globally recognised for their commitment to transparency and ethical travel, they became B-Corp certified in 2018. Intrepid Travel is also the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative, and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has disbursed more than $20 million to more than 160 partners. For more information, download the company’s 2025 Integrated Annual Report and follow Intrepid on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn.