PORT ADELAIDE forward Zak Butters’ season has been recognised with selection in the AFL Players' Association 2020 22under22 team.

Butters and teammate Sam Powell-Pepper were selected in the initial 40-man squad by the AFL Players’ Association Board with the support of Champion Data.

It is a concept that was introduced to reward young players for having an impact at their club in the early stages of their careers.

While Powell-Pepper missed out, Butters was voted by supporters to in on the half forward flank in the final team, with the 20-year-old selected by 76.44% of all fans. 

Butters came to the club with pick 12 in the 2018 AFL National Draft from the Western Jets.

In 2020 he is averaging 15 disposals, playing primarily up forward, which ranks him as elite among the competition’s forwards. He has also booted eleven goals from 15 games.

Fellow 2018 draftee Connor Rozee was named in the final 22under22 side last year alongside half back Dan Houston.

The 2020 team is led by Essendon’s Andrew McGrath, who was named captain, while Carlton’s Jacob Weitering was named vice captain.

Gold Coast and Fremantle are the best represented clubs with three players named in the team – defender Jack Lukosius, and forwards Izak Rankine and Ben King from the Suns and Adam Cerra, Andrew Brayshaw and Sean Darcy from the Dockers.

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