MELBOURNE’S cohort of young talent has been celebrated for their 2026 seasons with a league-high six players named in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 Squad, presented by Intrepid.

Tahlia Gillard, Molly O’Hehir, Jordy Allen, Ryleigh Wotherspoon, Maggie Mahony and Mia Austin have all been selected in the extended line-up of 44 players.

Gillard, O’Hehir and Allen feature across Melbourne’s backline while Wotherspoon, Mahony and Austin shine at the other end of the ground as forwards.

The selections are a testament to the season the six players are having, their performances helping the Dees secure a third-place ladder position and a spot in a qualifying final.  

The 22Under22 team looks to recognise the best players aged 22 and under across the league.

While the squad is made up of 44 players, the final team of 22 will be announced on Thursday 19 November.

It is a fan-voted concept with the team to be selected based on the number of votes received. Dees’ supporters are encouraged to vote for their favourite young Demons here.