WESTERN Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli is poised to create history after he was again named in the annual 40-man squad that recognises the best young AFL talent.

Bontempelli on Tuesday night was among 40 young guns selected in the AFL Players’ Association 22under22 squad for 2018.

And should Bontempelli, who turns 23 in November, make the final cut, it would be the fifth consecutive year that he would’ve been named in the 22under22 team.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL 40-MAN SQUAD

Finals Week 1

The Bulldogs on-baller, who had a season-high 34 disposals against North Melbourne on the weekend, could also be named captain for the third straight season.

It’s remarkable to think Bontempelli has been named in the young guns side in every AFL season he’s played in to date, starting in 2014 and through to 2017.

Bontempelli, as well as Essendon’s Zach Merrett, Melbourne duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, Sydney’s Isaac Heeney and Carlton’s Charlie Curnow, were among the big names selected by the AFLPA board after outstanding home and away campaigns.

Geelong superstar and AFLPA president Patrick Dangerfield said narrowing down the squad to 40 young stars was a tough task.

The AFL 22under22 squad for 2018. Source: FOX SPORTS

“With names like Bontempelli, Merrett, Heeney and Oliver, the 22under22 squad for 2018 is packed with talent once again,” Dangerfield said.

“Despite their tender age, all players in this squad have had a significant impact on their teams this season, which makes the task of selecting the 22 players all the more difficult.”

Heeney, who’s in line for 22under22 team selection for a third time, said the 40-man squad was full of talent.

“To be included in the 22under22 squad again is a tremendous honour, especially when you consider the other guys in the squad,” Heeney said.

LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE FOX FOOTY PODCAST BELOW, OR TAP HERE TO SUBSCRIBE IN ITUNES

Like Heeney, Merrett is in line for selection for a third time, while Curnow, Petracca and Oliver are hoping to be picked for the second time.

This is the sixth edition of the AFLPA’s 22under22 team, with this season’s team to be announced at the AFLPA MVP awards on Thursday August 30.

Players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series, to be eligible for 22under22 selection.

Fans can vote on the 22under22 side by clicking here., with voting closing on Tuesday August 28.

2018 22under22 40-man squad

Defenders: Tom Doedee (Adelaide), Wayne Milera (Adelaide), Harris Andrews (Brisbane), Alex Witherden (Brisbane), Andrew McGrath (Essendon), Conor McKenna (Essendon), Ed Langdon (Fremantle), Lachie Weller (Gold Coast Suns), Dougal Howard (Port Adelaide), Jayden Short (Richmond), Bailey Williams (Western Bulldogs)

Forwards: Eric Hipwood (Brisbane), Charlie Curnow (Carlton), Jordan De Goey (Collingwood), Jaidyn Stephenson (Collingwood), Bayley Fritsch (Melbourne), Alex Neal-Bullen (Melbourne), Dan Butler (Richmond), Jade Gresham (St Kilda), Ben Ronke (Sydney), Will Hayward (Sydney), Billy Gowers (Western Bulldogs)

Midfielders: Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane), Zac Fisher (Carlton), Tom Phillips (Collingwood), Zach Merrett (Essendon), Touk Miller (Gold Coast), Tim Taranto (GWS Giants), Jacob Hopper (GWS Giants), Angus Brayshaw (Melbourne), James Harmes (Melbourne), Clayton Oliver (Melbourne), Christian Petracca (Melbourne), Sam Powell-Pepper (Port Adelaide), Jack Steele (St Kilda), Isaac Heeney (Sydney), Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs), Toby McLean (Western Bulldogs)

Rucks: Sean Darcy (Fremantle), Tim English (Western Bulldogs)

LIVE Stream every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >