Two Crows have earned selection in the AFL Players’ Association 22under22 squad for 2017.

Midfielder Matt Crouch and defender Jake Lever have been chosen in an initial 40-man squad featuring the best young talent in the AFL.

Crouch, 22, is one of the most improved players in the competition this season.

The hard-nosed onballer, who was also nominated in last year’s 22under22 squad, has played every game this season averaging a career-best 32 possessions per match.

The ball magnet is second only to Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell (755) for total disposals (681) this year and is equal-third in the AFL for hard-ball gets (124) and eighth in contested possessions (281). The tough youngster is also second at the Club for clearances (122) and third for tackles (95).

Lever, 21, is aiming for his third consecutive 22under22 selection.

The backman has played an important role in Adelaide’s defence this season. He’s averaging 16 possessions and six marks a match in his third year at AFL level.

Lever is ranked third in the AFL for intercept marks (62) and fifth for total intercept possessions (155) despite missing five matches to injury. He’s also second at the Club in spoils (88), fourth for rebound 50ms (56) and fifth in marks (100).

Seventeen clubs are represented among this year’s 22under22 nominees.

Geelong is the lone club without a player named in the squad.

To be eligible for selection, players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the season, including finals.

Now in its fifth year, 22under22 is the AFL’s only recognised fan-voted award which provides the footy public with the power to select the final 22.

The 22under22 squad was selected by the AFLPA board with the final team to be determined by a fan vote. Click here to select your 22under22 team

Fans can submit their teams from Wednesday, August 23 until Wednesday, September 6.

The final 22under22 team will be announced at the AFLPA MVP Awards on Tuesday, September 12.