Melbourne has asserted itself as one of the AFLW’s most exciting teams for years to come, with a whopping six players unveiled in the AFL Players’ Association’s 44-person 22Under22 squad.
All of Jordyn Allen, Tahlia Gillard, Molly O’Hehir, Mia Austin, Maggie Mahony and Ryleigh Wotherspoon at the Demons have been selected in the honorary squad, after having just one selection last year.
Closely trailing the Dees were the Western Bulldogs, who had five young guns recognised in the squad — including Fox Footy’s own Jasmyn Smith. Gold Coast had four players selected, leaving the trio of aforementioned teams to make up over a third of the squad.
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Stars Matilda Scholz (Port Adelaide), Ella Roberts (West Coast) and Jasmine Fleming (Hawthorn) are all in the running for their fourth 22Under22 selection in the final side.
Competition superstars Georgie Prespakis and Charlie Rowbottom hold the unassailable record of five or the most selections in a side.
29 of the 44 players selected in this year’s 22Under22 squad are first-timers, with 10 of those first-year players.
“This squad is the next generation of stars and we have been lucky to see them break through and shine in 2026,” Chair of Selectors Kate McCarthy said in an AFLPA statement.
“There’s a changing of the guard taking place, with plenty of debut appearances as well as a group of players a couple of years into their careers, and that’s incredibly exciting for the game’s future.
“I can’t wait to watch these players continue to develop and impact the competition in the upcoming finals series and for years to come.”
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This year could also mark the second straight year Scholz siblings, Matilda and Poppy, have appeared together.
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 November) and have played at least six matches throughout the 2026 season.
Fans can decide the final 22Under22 team as of now, with voting now open at vote.22under22.com.au until 11:59pm on Thursday, 12 November.
44-PERSON SQUAD
Adelaide (3): Jemmika Douglas, Chloe Bown, Sarah Goodwin
Brisbane (1): Charlotte Mullins
Carlton (1): Poppy Scholz
Collingwood (2): Ash Centra, Lucy Cronin
Essendon (1): Amy Gaylor
Fremantle (2): Aoife Healy, Noa McNaughton
Geelong (2): Evie Cowcher, Chantal Mason
Gold Coast (4): Ava Usher, Darcie Davies, Havana Harris, Sunny Lappin
GWS (0): Nil.
Hawthorn (3): Laura Elliott, Jasmine Fleming, Laura Stone
Melbourne (6): Jordyn S. Allen, Tahlia Gillard, Molly O’Hehir, Mia Austin, Maggie Mahony, Ryleigh Wotherspoon
North Melbourne (3): Claire Mahony, Tess Craven, Taylah Gatt
Port Adelaide (3): Molly Brooksby, Shineah Goody, Matilda Scholz
Richmond (3): Isabel Bacon, Sierra Grieves, Olivia Wolmarans
St Kilda (1): Maya Louvel-Finn
Sydney (3): Zippy Fish, Montana Ham, Cynthia Hamilton
West Coast (1): Ella Roberts
Western Bulldogs (5): Cleo Buttifant, Jasmyn Smith, Rylie Wilcox, Emma McDonald, Heidi Woodley