Connor Macdonald, Jack Ginnivan, Massimo D’Ambrosio and Josh Weddle have been recognised for their stellar seasons to date with selection in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 squad.
For Macdonald, D’Ambrosio and Weddle this marks their first selection in the 40-player squad, after Ginnivan was named in the final 22Under22 team in 2022.
VOTE FOR MACDONALD, GINNIVAN, D’AMBROSIO AND WEDDLE HERE
Macdonald has played all 20 possible games for the Hawks this season, earning himself a nod on the back of a breakout year.
The exciting forward has booted total 23 goals, at an average of better than one per game, whilst also brings immense enthusiasm and energy to his side.
Macdonald’s standout performance of 2024 came in the Hawks 66-point win over the Crows in Round 20, where he racked up a career-high 28 disposals, 14 score involvements, with two goals of his own.
The week prior against Collingwood saw Macdonald’s career-best goal tally with four.
Also named in the forward line, Ginnivan has missed just two games in his debut season for the Hawks and, proving impactful and lively in attack.
Of those 18 games Ginnivan has slotted 21 goals, also averaging better than a goal per outing.
Ginnivan’s best performance of the year thus far was against his former side in Collingwood in Round 19, where he delivered a career-best 31 disposals, five tackles and booted two goals.
D’Ambrosio has also earned a spot in the squad, after emerging as arguably one of the league’s best wingers with his trademark speed and pressure around the ball.
Having joined the Hawks in the 2023 trade period, D’Ambrosio has managed 19 games in the brown and gold, averaging 19.4 disposals.
D’Ambrosio has had a consistent year, providing run and accuracy and regularly putting on a show. His performance against Collingwood in Round 19 saw 26 disposals, six marks, four tackles and two goals.
Third year Hawk, Weddle earned his first nomination off the back of a year of improved versatility from the 20-year-old, having played every game this season and averaged 14 disposals.
Renowned among the Hawthorn faithful for his running power, the developing defender has been tasked with nullifying some of the competition’s most dangerous big-name forwards, and played in the ruck when called upon.
Relentless in his pursuit, Weddle has begun to add some exciting offensive drive from the back half, surging forward to boot six goals this year.
Hawthorn is one of only three clubs with four or more players selected in the squad.
To be eligible, players are required to be aged 22 and under for the duration of the season and to have played 50 percent of the home and away season, 12 matches.
Voting is now open and will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday August 14.
The final team will be announced on August 21 via the AFL Players’ Association’s social media channels.
40-player squad:
Forwards: Josh Rachele (ADL), Kai Lohmann (BRI), Elijah Hollands (CAR), Jye Amiss (FRE), Josh Treacy (FRE), Connor Macdonald (HAW), Jack Ginnivan (HAW), Jacob van Rooyen (MEL), Paul Curtis (NM), Logan McDonald (SYD), Jamarra Ugle-Hagn (WB).
Midfielders: Jake Soligo (ADE), Nick Daicos (COL), Oliver Dempsey (GEE), Tanner Bruhn (GEE), Sam Clohesy (GCS), Finn Callaghan (GWS), Massimo D’Ambrosio (HAW), Caleb Windsor (MEL), Tom Powell (NM), Harry Sheezel (NM), George Wardlaw (NM), Jae Burgoyne (PA), Jason Horne-Francis (PA), Errol Gulden (SYD), Harley Reid (WC), Reuben Ginbey (WC).
Rucks: Luke Jackson (FRE) and Sam Darcy (WB).
Defenders: Max Michalanney (ADE), Darcy Wilmot (BRI), Josh Draper (FRE), Max Holmes (GEE), Bodhi Uwland (GCS). Mac Andrew (GCS), Josh Weddle (HAW), Judd McVee (MEL), Colby McKercher (NM), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (STK), Brady Hough (WC).
