Collingwood’s Jamie Elliott, Paul Seedsman and Steele Sidebottom have been named in a preliminary 40-man squad for the AFL Players’ Association’s inaugural 22under22 Team of the Year.

A fresh initiative designed by the AFL Players’ Association, the 22under22 concept seeks to recognise the emergence of rising stars by providing a platform to celebrate their achievements, with eligibility restricted to players aged 22 and under at the start of the season.

While the 22under22 shortlist was selected by the AFL Players’ Association Board, including President, and Collingwood star Luke Ball, the ultimate complexion of the side will be determined by the fans, with voting to take place via Facebook from August 21, and Twitter from August 27-31.

Ball said the introduction of the 22under22 side, which will be announced at the AFL Players’ Association’s MVP awards next month, ensured the feats of the competition’s fledgling on-field heroes were acknowledged.

“Players that have managed to have a consistent impact on the competition at such a young age should be duly recognised,” he said.

With All-Australian selection an accolade largely bestowed upon players during the latter stages of their football journey, AFL Players’ Association Chief Executive Officer Matt Finnis hopes 22under22 selection will come to be regarded as a key touchstone in the evolution of one’s on-field career.

“The average age of the All-Australian team last year was 27, so this concept provides these young players with a rite of passage – and acts as a form guide for who those future stars of the competition might be,” Finnis said.

Though Collingwood may boast only three representatives in the 22under22 preliminary squad, Elliott, Seedsman and Sidebottom can each mount a compelling case for their inclusion in the final line-up.

Having booted 30 goals in 19 matches this season, Elliott looms as one of the leading contenders for a small forward role in the 22under22 side, with his breakout performances this year punctuated by a series of highlight reel moments.

Impressing with his dashing performances from half-back, fellow nominee Seedsman has emerged as a regular member of the Magpies best 22 this season, averaging 18 disposals in his 14 outings for Nathan Buckley’s side.

With 105 senior games, an AFL premiership, a pre-season premiership, three Grand Final appearances and soon to be five finals campaigns under his belt, it almost defies belief that Sidebottom remains eligible for selection given the multitude of achievements he has accrued across his career to date.

At only 22, Sidebottom’s myriad accomplishments serve to emphasise the apparent ease with which he has transitioned to the AFL sphere, and become a critical pillar of Collingwood’s recent era of success.

Players selected in the final 22 will be presented with a 22under22 New Era cap in a perspex case by Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield, captain of a retrospective 2012 side selected by AFL Players’ Association Board.

Meanwhile, fans whose selections replicate the 2013 22under22 team will automatically go into the draw to win their very own inaugural 22under22 New Era cap, along with a 22under22 guernsey and set of Select player cards, featuring each player picked in this year’s 22under22 side.

To vote, visit AFLPlayers on Facebook or follow @AFLPlayers on Twitter.