Fans Players

STAR CYGNETS LEAD FINAL 22UNDER22

Fresh from their record-breaking season, the Sydney Swans headline the final AFL Players’ Association’s 2023 AFLW 22Under22 team, proudly presented by Local Expert.

Following a club record five players appearing in the initial squad, the Swans recorded four selections in the final team, with Lucy McEvoy, Ally Morphett, Laura Gardiner and Ella Heads being chosen by the fans. All four players make their maiden 22Under22 appearance.

Behind the Swans, Melbourne featured the second-most of any side, with three players – Tahlia Gillard, Alyssa Bannan and Eliza McNamara – being selected, while Gold Coast, Geelong, the GWS Giants, and Adelaide were represented by two players each.

A couple of Cats were once again popular, with Georgie Prespakis and Nina Morrison receiving their third 22Under22 selections along with Gold Coast’s Charlie Rowbottom. Prespakis and Rowbottom are eligible for another two seasons, meaning the duo could equal and then overtake Georgie’s sister, Madison, and Monique Conti, as current AFLW 22Under22 record-holders.

Rowbottom was also picked as the side’s skipper with Prespakis named as her deputy, and both were the most popular among fans – Prespakis featured in 78 per cent of fans’ teams, with Rowbottom selected in 77 per cent.

22Under22 is a fan-voted initiative that recognises the best 22 players aged 22 and under for the entirety of the season (including Grand Final day). For a player to be eligible, they were required to play 50 per cent of home and away season games (five matches) and were rewarded for their consistency across the season.

How 22Under22 works:

  • Chair of Selectors and former Melbourne and Geelong player, Melissa Hickey, and an internal selection panel at the AFL Players’ Association selects a squad of 44 players.
  • All 18 AFLW clubs are provided with the opportunity to nominate players and their primary positions to be in consideration for the squad of 44 players.
  • Fans then had the opportunity to decide the final 22 by voting via vote.22under22.com.au.
  • The fan whose team best matches the final squad wins a $150 Prezzee voucher, thanks to Local Expert.

The AFLPA are proud to partner with Local Expert for the 22under22 and AFLW Players’ Most Valuable Player Awards. From mowing and cleaning to fencing and major renovations, Local Expert will ensure you get a job well done by connecting you with a service provider you can trust. Local Experts are experienced, qualified and police checked. They turn up on time and their work is backed by the Local Expert Service Guarantee for your peace of mind. Ready for that new deck or kitchen renovation? Local Expert can also arrange flexible finance options with easy payment terms for those bigger jobs. Learn more about Local Expert. Job well done.