Western Bulldogs young guns Bailey Smith and Aaron Naughton have been named in the AFLPA’s 22under22 squad.

It is the second consecutive year the two have been recognised in the squad of 40 players, which is decided on by the AFLPA with support from Champion Data.

Smith is one of five Bulldogs to have played every match this season, averaging 23.7 disposals, 3.3 clearances and 3.7 tackles.

Naughton has kicked 38 goals from 19 matches, and is the club’s leading contested marker with 46.

If the duo are selected in the final team, it will be Smith’s second call-up (2020) and Naughton’s third (2019, 2020).

Captain Marcus Bontempelli holds the current record, having been selected in the team of 22 five times.

The fan-voted concept was introduced in 2013 to reward young players who make an impact on their club and the wider competition.

Voting is open now until August 18, with the final team to be announced via the AFLPA social media channels on August 24. 

For a player to eligible in the squad, they must have played a minimum of 12 games throughout the 2021 season.