The AFLPA has announced the 2026 22Under22 team and in exciting news, star Cats defender Connor O'Sullivan has earned his first selection in the team. 

The 22Under22 team is a fan-voted concept that recognises the AFL’s best young talent, with a 40 man squad whittled down to the best 22 players under the age of 22. An internal selection panel at the AFL Players’ Association selects a squad of 40 players, before fans vote to decide the final 22. 

O'Sullivan earned a spot in the squad for the second consecutive year, but 2026 marks his first selection in the final 22Under22 team. 

It highlights the incredible rise of the star Cat, who has gone from inexperienced young talent to one of the game's best key defenders across the last two seasons. 

O'Sullivan has not missed a game to his point in the 2026 season, piecing together a strong campaign with an average of over 15 disposals and six marks per game. 

What has impressed most has been his remarkable intercepting prowess, ranking seventh in the competition for both intercept marks and total intercept possessions. 

There have been a number of standout performances throughout the year, including his career-high 13 intercept possessions against Adelaide in Round 13, and a dominant display in the win over Melbourne at the MCG. 

Consistently entrusted on the last line of defence, O'Sullivan has quickly developed into one of Geelong's most important players, a remarkable feat considering he is only 48 games into his AFL career. 

O'Sullivan was the only Geelong player selected in the 2026 22Under22 team, with Mitch Edwards also selected in the initial 40-player squad. 

See the full team and captains below. 

AFLPA 22Under22 2026 Team

Captain: Harry Sheezel

Vice-Captain: Will Ashcroft