Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell has been voted the fourth best player in the competition this season among his peers at the AFL players’ association MVP awards.

Heppell finished fourth in the voting for the Leigh Matthews Trophy behind winner Nat Fyfe, Gold Coast star Gary Ablett and Sydney big man Lance Franklin.

In one of the closest counts in recent players' association history, Fyfe polled 945 votes from Ablett (787), ahead of Lance Franklin (428), Dyson Heppell (274) and Josh Kennedy (234).

Heppell has had a stellar season averaging 28 disposals a game from his 21 matches, missing one game with a broken hand.

Heppell’s presence in the midfield this season has seen his game lift to a new level with his ability to will himself to every contest.

The Bombers young gun has averaged 5 tackles, 5 clearances along with 12 contested possessions per game.

Young Bomber Zach Merrett was also recognised for his first season at AFL level coming fourth in the Best First Year Player award.

Merrett finished behind Marcus Bontempeli (winner), Luke Dunstan and Lewis Taylor in the voting.

Earlier in the evening Heppell has been named captain for a second year in a row of the 22under22 side.

The 21-year-old midfielder and teammate Jake Carlisle were named in the team for a second year in a row celebrating the best 22 players under the age of 22.

Heppell said he was honoured to be captain of such a talented group of young leaders.

"It is a fantastic side with some elite young talent in that team so to be named captain of the side is a great honour.”

“It is great to be named in a side with a lot of guys that I played alongside and against during my junior days.”

“There is some fantastic players that missed out on the team so it is great to get a spot.”

Carlisle was named on the interchange bench with Heppell named in the centre of the ground.

Heppell is one of nine players selected in the team for a second time and has been named as leader ahead of Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston as vice captain.

Twelve of the 18 teams had a player in the final 22; Gold Coast led the charge, with six Suns named in the team. Collingwood was next best with three, while Adelaide, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs each had two players selected.