Sydney Swans young guns Luke Parker and Harry Cunningham have been named in the 2014 AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 squad.

The 22Under22 concept was introduced in 2013 to recognise the best young talent in the competition, as decided by the fans. To be eligible for this year’s team, players must be aged 22 or younger on Grand Final Day this year.

Parker and Cunningham have been picked in the initial 45-man squad selected by the AFL Players’ Association Board.

The final 22Under22 team will be decided by fans, with the AFL Players’ Association calling on all footy fans to cast their vote by liking the AFL Players’ Facebook page and selecting a 22Under22 team from the 45-man squad.

This year’s 22Under22 squad has at least one nominee from each AFL club, with Parker and Cunningham selected from the Swans.

Underrated during the last couple years due to the Swans’ star-studded midfield, Parker has well and truly made his mark in 2014. Collecting career-highs for disposals on three separate occasions, Parker will put his case forward for All-Australian selection this season, and could be in-line for the Bob Skilton Medal. He has kicked multiple goals on seven occasions to suggest he’s more than capable of dropping inside the forward 50.

With a solid pre-season under his belt, Cunningham earned himself a spot in the Swans’ best 22 after being on the cusp in his first two seasons. He’s made an impact in the midfield, averaging 2.7 tackles each game, as well as up forward, where he has kicked three or more goals on three occasions. His growth into a regular starter after being rookie drafted is testament to his hard work and motivation to succeed.

The final 22Under22 team will be announced at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Tuesday, September 9.

You can vote for Parker and Cunningham by submitting your 22Under22 team via the AFL Players’ Facebook page up until September 4. Everyone who enters a team will have a chance to win the ultimate 22Under22 prize-pack.

Find out more about 22Under22 at www.aflplayers.com.au.