MELBOURNE’S cohort of young talent has been recognised with three Demons named in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 Squad.
Tahlia Gillard, Alyssa Bannan and Eliza McNamara have featured in the extended side of 44, with the final team recognising the best 22 players aged 22 and under for the entirety of the season.
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For a player to be eligible for the squad of 44, they are required to play 50 per cent of the home-and-away season, equating to five matches.
In her third season at top level, Gillard has developed into an ominous figure in Melbourne’s defensive 50.
This year has seen her average a career-high 5.6 intercepts and 5.3 spoils (second in the league).
Bannan’s recognition comes after another stellar season in the red and blue where she kicked 12 goals across 10 games, including a whopping five-goal haul during Round 7.
The No.16’s speed and agility has been integral in the team’s impact inside 50, with Melbourne’s offensive attack the best in the league at 653 points.
McNamara has been named in the squad in her return season, re-joining the team’s active list after 12 months sidelined with a serious back injury.
The Demon was quick to slot back into her role along Melbourne’s wing, each week providing impressive run and carry across the ground.
Voting is now open, with fans able to get behind their favourite players up until Wednesday 15 November, when voting closes.
The final team will be announced on Wednesday 22 November.
