Among the top young talent in the league.

Three young Dogs have had their stellar 2025 seasons acknowledged with selection in the 2025 AFL Players Association ‘22under22’ squad.

Sam Darcy, Ryley Sanders and Joel Freijah have been named as part of the 40-person squad assembled by St Kilda legend Leigh Montagna with support from the AFLPA and Champion Data.

It has been an impressive year-to-date for Bulldogs’ star forward Sam Darcy who, despite missing a significant portion of the season through injury, currently sits within the top ten for goals kicked across the competition and second in contested marks.

Sanders has also relished his opportunity throughout 2025, benefitting from consistent game time to become an integral part of the Bulldogs’ midfield operations.

The 20-year-old’s ability to play in the contest and around the wing is highly valued by the coaches – proving critical in helping the team transition from defence to attack.

Sanders currently sits in the top 10 players at the Club for disposals, handballs and disposal efficiency.

At only 19 years old, Joel Freijah is the youngest of the Bulldogs’ inclusions in the 22under22 squad.

The boy from Horsham has found a regular spot in the Bulldogs’ midfield, with his evasiveness, read on the play and ability to score drawing comparisons to captain Marcus Bontempelli.

For a player to be eligible for selection in the squad, they must be 22 and under for the entirety of the season (including Grand Final Day, 27 September) and have played a minimum of 12 games in 2025.

Fans will now decide the final 22Under22 team, with voting officially open at vote.22under22.com.au until Wednesday, 13 August.

This year’s 22Under22 final line-up will be announced on Wednesday, 20 August via the AFLPA’s social media channels and website.

The AFLPA is proud to partner with Intrepid Travel as the major partner of the 22Under22 competition.