PORT ADELAIDE’s Connor Rozee’s strong season has been recognised with selection in the AFL Players' Association final 22under22 side.
A fortnight ago, the AFL Players’ Association Board selected a squad of 40 players with support from Champion Data, and a fans’ vote over the past two weeks decided the final 22.
Rozee played all 22 matches this season, averaging career-best numbers for disposals (23.2 per game), tackles (3.5) and clearances (3.2) while also booting 18 goals.
The 22-year-old was taken at pick five in the 2018 AFL National Draft, spending most of his first three seasons in the forward line before a move into the midfield in Round 5 this season.
It’s the second time Rozee has been part of the final 22under22 side, after he received the honour in his debut year in 2019, when he also finished as the club’s leading goal kicker.
Rozee’s teammate Zak Butters missed the final cut for the 22under22 after being named in the initial 40-man squad for a second time.
It caps a big week for Rozee who was also nominated for the AFLPA MVP award and named in the 40-man All-Australian squad for the first time, having already claimed Peter Badcoe VC and Showdown medals for his efforts this season as well.
Fremantle had four players selected in the final side including Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong, Hayden Young and Jordan Clark, while Sydney and Collingwood each had three.
12 players, including Rozee were selected for a second or subsequent time with Western Bulldog Aaron Naughton and Carlton’s Sam Walsh being picked for a fourth time.
The 22under22 concept was introduced in 2013 to reward young players for having an impact at their club in the early stages of their careers.
Players are rewarded for their consistency throughout the 2022 season and must have played at least 11 games to be eligible.
Butters was the most recent Port Adelaide player to make the final 22 when he was picked in 2020. Willem Drew and Mitch Georgiades were overlooked for last year’s final side after being named as part of the 40-man squad.
