PORT ADELAIDE duo Miles Bergman and Jason Horne-Francis have each been recognised with selection in the AFL Players' Association 2023 22under22 squad of 44 players.

The AFL Players’ Association chair of selectors Michael Barlow selected the squad with the support from an internal selection panel and Champion Data information, with fans to vote to select the final 22.

The concept was introduced in 2013 to reward young players for having an impact at their club in the early stages of their careers but this year is the first time more than 40 players have been chosen in the squad due t the high number of quality candidates.

Players are rewarded for their consistency throughout the 2023 season and must be aged under 22 for the entirety of the season and have played at least 12 games to be eligible.

Bergman has returned strongly in 2023 following an injury-interrupted year last year.

Showing his versatility, Bergman has been used on the wing and at half back, even stepping in as a key defender at times, all the while averaging 14 disposals, 2.5 tackles and 315 metres gained per match.

It has been a breakout year for defender Miles Bergman, who sees his first 22under22 nomination. Image: AFL Photos.

It’s the first time he has been selected in the 22under22 squad, as it is for Horne-Francis. In fact, 26 of the 44 have been included for the first time.

Horne-Francis has been recognised for a strong transition to life at Alberton after his off-season move from North Melbourne.

The 20-year-old has averaged 18 disposals and five clearances per game this season and has booted 11 goals in his 19 games, sharing his time across the club’s midfield and forward line.

20-year-old Jason Horne-Francis has enjoyed a productive year at Port Adelaide, averaging just shy of five clearances per match. Image: AFL Photos.

Fremantle has more players than any other club nominated in the 44-man squad with five.

Connor was the last Port Adelaide player to make the final 22 when he was picked in 2022 for the second time, while Zak Butters was part of the 2020 side but didn’t make the final team last year despite being part of the 40-man squad.

Fans are now asked to vote for the final team before August 17.

The fan whose team is best matched by the final team will be awarded a prize from the AFL Players’ Association.

The final 22 will be announced by the AFLPA on August 23.