Max King has been selected in the AFL Player’s Association 22Under22 40-man squad for the second year running.
The 21-year-old focal point of St Kilda’s attack has continued his rise as one of the competition’s premier young talents, piecing together a series of eye-catching performances in conjunction with this season’s most impressive wins.
The 22Under22 aims to recognise the best players aged 22 and under throughout the course of the season, with supporters voting on the make-up of the final side.
Since overcoming a challenging patch of form in front of goal earlier in the season, the No. 12 has thrived as he and the Saints push towards a consecutive finals berth.
A six-goal, nine-mark (eight contested) masterclass against West Coast in Round 19 marked his most destructive outing, while explosive quarters against Carlton (three in the first) and Brisbane (three in the second) have only highlighted his growing prowess.
He also netted five majors against the Eagles in Round 4 and has been a multiple goalkicker on 10 occasions this year.
King currently leads the Saints’ goalkicking tally on 36 majors – registering 20.6 post-bye – as well as contested marks (44) and marks inside-50 (51).
The final line-up for 2021 will be announced on 24 August. Players must have registered a minimum of 12 games throughout the season to be eligible for selection.
Saints voted into the 22Under22
AFL
2016: Tim Membrey
2017: Jack Billings
2018: Jade Gresham
2019: Jade Gresham
2020: Hunter Clark, Nick Coffield, Max King
AFLW
2020: Caitlin Greiser, Georgia Patrikios
2021: Georgia Patrikios
