PORT ADELAIDE young guns Dan Houston and Connor Rozee have both been recognised for their strong seasons with selection in the AFL Players Association 22under22 team.
Houston had his best year in Power colours since arriving at the club via pick 45 in the 2016 rookie draft, significantly increasing his ball-winning ability.
The 22-year-old collected 20+ possessions 12 times in 2019, compared to six in 2018 and three in 2017.
The defender turned midfielder also had career-highs for kicks (20 vs North Melbourne), handballs (17 vs GWS), disposals (29 vs Greater Western Sydney, Essendon and North Melbourne), tackles (nine vs Sydney) and goals (two vs Essendon) this season.
Houston was named on the half-back flank, with Carlton’s Jacob Weitering and Brisbane’s Alex Witherden in the other half-back positions.
Rozee was named on the half-forward flank alongside Brisbane tall Eric Hipwood and West Coast livewire Liam Ryan.
Port’s no.5 selection in the 2018 draft lead the club’s goal-kicking in 2019, slotting 29 majors in his first season of senior football.
The 19-year-old played every game in his debut year, averaging 15.3 disposals, 3.5 marks, 1.3 goals and four tackles a game.
Brisbane full back Harris Andrews was names captained, with Bulldogs ball-magnet Josh Dunkley his vice-captain.
Rozee and Houston become Port Adelaide’s first representatives in the AFLPA 22under22 since co-captain Ollie Wines was selected in back-to-back years in 2016 and 2017.
Number of representatives from each club:
Brisbane 4
Carlton 3
Western Bulldogs 3
Port Adelaide 2
North Melbourne 1
Richmond 1
Sydney 1
Melbourne 1
West Coast 1
St Kilda 1
GWS 1
Hawthorn 1
Adelaide 1
Essendon 1
