Essendon young gun Dyson Heppell has been named captain for a second year in a row of the 22under22 side announced at the AFL players association awards on Tuesday night.

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.

Heppell is also nominated for the AFLPA MVP award to be announced later this evening.