An AFL-high seven Crows have been selected in the 22under22 squad for Season 2016.

Midfielders Matt Crouch, Rory Atkins and Brad Crouch are joined by defenders Rory Laird and Jake Lever, and forwards Mitch McGovern and Charlie Cameron in the squad of 50 announced on Monday night.

Matt Crouch, 21, has taken his game to another level in 2016, playing a career-high 19 games and cementing his spot in Adelaide’s best 22. Crouch is coming off arguably his best game of the year on Saturday night, in which he was awarded the Showdown Medal.

Atkins, 22, has become a consistent contributor this season, playing every game and providing plenty of run and carry on a wing. He’s averaging 21 disposals a game and has also been able to impact the scoreboard, kicking 10 goals.

Brad Crouch, 22, has been in blistering form since his return to the senior side in Round 14. The tough onballer has averaged 26.2 disposals a game in the past nine rounds, including a season-high 34 against the Brisbane Lions.

Laird, 22, is aiming for his second selection in the 22under22 team after receiving the nod in 2015.

The creative and also courageous defender has continued his rapid rise from the rookie list to become one of the competition’s elite players. Laird is currently ranked in the AFL’s top 10 defenders according to Champion Data.

Lever, 20, is also aiming for his second 22under22 guernsey after winning selection alongside Laird in 2015. In just his second season at AFL level, Lever has become an important part of Adelaide’s defence. He has impressed with his ability to read the play and impact contests in the air.

McGovern is another Adelaide success story. After being limited to just 11 SANFL games in his first year at the Club because of injury, the strong-marking 21-year-old is now contributing to the most dangerous forward line in the AFL. He’s played 20 AFL games and kicked 29 goals, including three in Saturday night’s Showdown.

Cameron, 22, has developed a reputation for his fierce attack on the football and outstanding tackling pressure. Cameron has recovered from a pre-season knee injury to play every game since Round Five, splitting his time between the wing and forward.

The 22under22 squad is selected by the AFL Players’ Association Board with the final team decided by fans and announced on September 13. To be eligible for the squad players must be 22 or under for the length of the AFL season including finals.

Now in its fourth year, 22Under22 is the industry’s only recognised fan-voted award and provides the footy public with the authority to select the final team. 

Visit 22Under22.com.au to cast your vote. The fan with the team closest resembling the final 22Under22 side will receive the ultimate AFL Players’ prize pack.