Five Lions have been named in this year’s AFLPA 22under22 squad, highlighting the best young AFLW talent in the competition.

Nat Grider, Courtney Hodder, Jade Ellenger, Jesse Wardlaw and Tahlia Hickie were all named in the squad off the back of career-best performances this season.

Grider and Hodder were previously named in the 2021 squad after their breakout seasons, while Wardlaw was named in the 2020 team.

Defender Grider has undoubtedly put together one her strongest seasons to date, following her breakout 2021 AFLW season.

With the loss of key defender Kate Lutkins to a season-ending injury in Round 1, Grider has taken her game to another level in 2022 to help fill the gap left by the veteran defender.

Hickie continues to put her name up as one of the best Rucks in the competition with dominant performances across the season. A consistent improver, her season highlight comes from a massive 34 hitouts against Carlton, just shy of the current AFLW record.

Ellenger, Hodder and Wardlaw have also all played their part in the Lions’ road to the 2022 AFLW Finals Series, with strong performances through the home and away season earning them a 22under22 nomination.

Brisbane has the highest representation of any AFLW team with the five nominations.

The players are selected by the AFL Players Association based on match statistics from Champion Data.

Fans will get to determine the final side with voting open on 22under22.com.au between March 15 and March 22.

The initial squad of 40 will then be trimmed to 22 on March 29 when the remaining players will be announced and receive their 2022 22Under22 jumpers.

Catch the AFLW Lions in action this weekend at the Gabba for the Qualifying Final vs Collingwood. Tickets on sale HERE.