Four young Bulldogs have made the initial 40-man squad in the AFL Players’ Association 22under22 team for 2019.

Josh Dunkley, Bailey Smith, Aaron Naughton and Tim English have been named in the squad, selected by the AFLPA Board and Champion Data for their performances across the 2019 home and away season.

Highlighting the best young talent in the league, the AFLPA’s 22under22 concept was first introduced in 2013. To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series.

In an outstanding year, it is no surprise that midfielder Josh Dunkley received his first nomination for the 22Under22 squad. Averaging 27.8 disposals and 6.2 tackles per game, the 22-year-old further solidified himself as a dominant member of the Bulldogs’ midfield group in 2019.

After missing part of his first season with an ankle injury, Aaron Naughton missed out on a nomination for the young guns squad in 2018. With a move to the forward line in his second season at AFL-level, the 19-year-old well and truly earned his spot – averaging 5.8 marks per game and booting 22 goals so far throughout 2019.

Playing every match so far in his first year of AFL, midfielder Bailey Smith averaged 17.4 disposals and 3.9 tackles per game, while developing ruckman Tim English has made strides in 2019, where he averaged 4.1 marks and 3.3 tackles per game.

Fans can now visit 22under22.com.au to cast their vote, before the final team is revealed at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Thursday, August 29.

Voting closes on Wednesday August 21, 2019