West Coast Eagles young guns Charlie Thomas and Bella Lewis have made the initial 44-player squad for the AFL Players’ Association’s 22under22 side after taking huge strides in season seven of AFLW.

Solidified in the halfback role this season, Thomas finished fifth in the competition for rebound 50s with an average of 5.4 per game.

Thomas’s contributions led to her first Rising Star nomination in round seven, validating a breakout season where she averaged 14.7 disposals, 5.3 intercepts with 309.7 metres gained per game

Meanwhile, Lewis, who has become an emerging leader within the West Coast outfit, averaged 15.4 disposals and 5.7 tackles a game.

Since her Club Champion season in 2021, Lewis has continued growing as a player and looms as a key part of the team’s future ambitions.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 07: Charlotte Thomas and Isabella Lewis of the Eagles walking into the rooms post game during the round seven AFLW match between the West Coast Eagles and the Richmond Tigers at Mineral Resources Park on October 07, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Club Photographer)

22Under22 is a fan-voted concept that recognises the best 22 players aged 22 and under for the entirety of the season, including finals. 

For a player to be eligible for the squad of 44, they were required to play 50 per cent of season games, equating to five matches.

Voting is open for seven days from November 9 to November 16 with the final team announced on November 22 via the AFL Players’ Association’s social media channels.

Fans have the opportunity to decide the final 22 by voting on the 22Under22 platform.