For a third consecutive season, Marcus Bontempelli has been named as the captain of the AFL Players’ Association 22under22 representative team.

Bontempelli was awarded the honour at the AFL Players’ Association MVP Awards on Thursday night.

The 22-year-old has been included in the 22under22 team every year of his playing career to date – five consecutive seasons – the most by any player in the competition.

Bontempelli, who played his 100^th match in Round 19, has averaged 24 disposals and one goal per game in 2018.  

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.

The squad is selected by the AFLPA Board, with the final 22 voted for by fans.

Toby McLean, Billy Gowers, Tim English and Bailey Williams made the preliminary squad of 40, but missed out on selection in the final 22.

Dale Morris was runner-up in the Most Courageous Player award and AFLW defender Tiarna Ernst was awarded the AFLW Education and Training Award.

For a full wrap of the award winners, visit aflplayers.com.au.