Three of Geelong's brightest young stars have been recognised for their stellar 2025 campaigns to date with Ollie Dempsey, Connor O'Sullivan and Lawson Humphries all selected in the AFLPA's 22Under22 squad.
The 22Under22 team, presented by Intrepid, is a fan-voted concept that recognises the best 22 players aged 22 and under for the entirety of the season. The Chair of Selectors, Leigh Montagna, and an internal selection panel at the AFL Players’ Association selects a squad of 40 players, before fans vote to decide the final 22.
Connor O'Sullivan has earned his maiden selection in the squad after a superb breakout season in 2025, playing all but one game in just his second year with the Cats.
The emerging defender earned a Rising Star nomination in the Round 2 clash with St Kilda and never looked back, leading Geelong for intercept possessions and spoils while also sitting second at the club for intercept marks, becoming a reliable part of the Cats defensive unit.
Lawson Humphries has continued to go from strength to strength in his second year at the top level, building on an impressive debut season with the Cats and earning his first selection in the 22Under22 squad.
Averaging over 17 disposals per game, Humphries has maintained a 77.4% efficiency by foot this year, leading the Cats in rebound 50s in 2025 and often being used as a key connector off half back or on the wing.
No stranger to the 22Under22 team, Ollie Dempsey is vying for his second consecutive selection after making the team in 2024.
The 2024 Rising Star winner has continued to create headaches for opposition teams on the wing, averaging 16.7 disposals per game and generating plenty of run and carry with his ability to find space. Dempsey has also pushed forward and had an impact inside 50, kicking 25 goals and dishing off 12 goal assists in his 20 games so far this year.
The 22Under22 concept was first introduced in 2013 in the men’s competition to reward the young players who make an impact on their club and the competition so early in their careers.
Voting for the final team opens today in line with the squad announcement and will remain open for a week, with the final team to be released on the 20th of August.
Every vote counts and the Cats are counting on each fan to support their young stars, follow the link below to submit your votes today.
KEY DATES
Voting Opens: 2.00pm AEST, Wednesday August 6th
Voting Closes: 11:59pm AEST, Wednesday August 13th
Final Team Release: 2pm AEST, Wednesday August 20th
