Four AFLW Bulldogs have been named in the AFLPA’s 22under22 squad for 2021.

Eleanor Brown, Katie Lynch, and Jess Fitzgerald are in the squad of 40 for the first time, while it is a second recognition for Izzy Huntington, who was named in the final team last season.

Brown averaged 11 disposals, 4.6 tackles and 3.1 marks per match in defence this year and led the Bulldogs for intercept possessions with 58.

The 21-year-old also received an AFLW Rising Star nomination in round nine.

Lynch also had a breakout year in defence for the Bulldogs – having played predominantly as a forward at her previous club, Collingwood.

The 21-year-old played every match in 2021, recording a career-best 14 touches and six tackles in round eight.

Fitzgerald did not miss a match this season after making her AFLW debut in the opening round against St Kilda.

Arriving at the Kennel with pick number 2 in the 2020 National Draft, the 19-year-old averaged 10.1 possessions and 4.1 tackles, while picking up a Rising Star nod in round two.

Fitzgerald is also one of three nominees for the 2021 rebel Goal of the Year.

Huntington finished the season as the Bulldogs’ leading goalkicker (12), and led the league for contested marks with 21.

It is yet another accolade this year for the former number one draft pick, with the 22-year-old named in the AFLW All Australian squad and AFLW Team of the Year last week.

The 22under22 is a fan-voted concept that recognises the best 22 players aged 22 and under – who have played five or more games - during the AFLW season.

Voting opens today (April 7), with the fan whose team is best-matched to the final team to win a prize.

The final team will be announced on Tuesday 20 April.