GIANTS members and fans, you can help four rising stars be named in the AFL Player’s 2019 22under22 team.

Defender Sam Taylor, midfielders Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, and forward Brent Daniels have been named in the 40-player squad selected by the AFL Players’ Board on Wednesday.

The 22under22 is a fan-voted team comprised of the AFL’s best 22 players aged 22 and under. To submit your team and help Taylor, Taranto, Hopper and Daniels CLICK HERE.

Taylor has been outstanding in the backline during his second year at the GIANTS.

In 17 games in 2019, Taylor has averaged 6.2 spoils , 6.5 one per centers and 10.2 disposals. 

Taranto has had a breakout season in 2019, taking more time in the GIANTS’ midfield than in his previous two seasons.

The 21-year-old averages 28.2 disposals, 4.6 marks, 5.3 clearances, 25.4 pressure acts and 6.5 tackles per game; the latter two stats considered elite for midfielders according to AFL Stats Pro. 

Fellow midfielder Jacob Hopper has also taken a leap forward in 2019, his fourth season in GIANTS colours.

Hopper has averaged 26.5 disposals, 6.3 clearances and four tackles per game. The Leeton product has dramatically improved on his 2018 season where he averaged 21 disposals and four clearances per game.

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Forward Brent Daniels – like fellow 2017 Draftee Taylor – has come along in leaps and bounds in 2019 becoming the GIANTS’ most promising defensive forwards.

Daniels hasn’t missed a game this season and while he has only kicked nine goals the 20-year-old has been one of the most unselfish players in the competition, averaging a goal assist per game, 17.7 pressure acts and six score involvements per game. 

Taylor, Taranto, Hopper and Daniels will look to become the first GIANTS to be named in the team since Josh Kelly in 2017 and should they be named they will join fellow GIANTS Zac Williams (2016), Jeremey Cameron (2015 & 2013), Callan Ward (2012) and Phil Davis (2012) in having been chosen in the 22under22 team.

The team will be announced at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards night on August 29 in Melbourne.