Jaidyn Stephenson, Tarryn Thomas and Luke Davies-Uniacke have been recognised for their brilliant individual campaigns this season, with all three being nominated for the AFLPA’s 22under22 squad.
For a player to be eligible for the 40-man squad, they must have played at least 12 games across the season, and be under the age of 22 for the entirety of the season.
Having arrived at North Melbourne at the start of this season, Stephenson has hit the ground running at Arden Street and has been nominated for both the midfield and forward lines.
Despite missing three games mid-season with a wrist injury, Stephenson has brought experience and leadership into the side despite his young age, and has stepped up to the added responsibility.
Averaging 19.6 disposals, 2.6 tackles and 1.5 clearances, his best games in a North jumper have coincided with the team’s best run of form this season.
His career-high 38 disposals and 4 clearances were integral in Round 17’s victory over West Coast, while his 3 goal, 24 touch haul against Carlton two weeks later was just as impressive.
After an injury-interrupted 2020 where he only played six games, Thomas has taken his game to another level this season and, like Stephenson, has been nominated for both the midfield and forward categories.
Playing 19 games so far this season, he’s averaged 17.8 disposals, 3.3 tackles, 2,7 clearances and 1.2 goals per game, increasing his inside midfield time as the season has progressed.
He kicked a career-high 4 goals against the Blues in Round 17 and has more consistency to his game in 2021.
Davies-Uniacke is North’s final nominee and has been nominated for a midfield position.
The young midfielder has taken his game to another level in recent weeks, including breaking his career-record for disposals in two of his last three games.
He showed a brilliant flash of his potential in the Round 9 victory over Hawthorn, finishing with 24 disposals, 11 clearances and a goal, while his ability as an accumulator was showcased in his 38 disposal performance against Richmond in Round 21.
Much like Thomas, ‘LDU’ has taken his game to another standard this season, and is averaging 22.1 disposals, 3.3 tackles and 4.6 clearances per game.
Supporters can vote on the final 22under22 team here, with voting open between August 11-18.
The official 22under22 side will be unveiled on August 24.
