HAWTHORN forward Jack Gunston has been named in the AFL Players’ Association 22Under22 team.

Announced at tonight’s AFLPA MVP awards, Gunston was named at full forward after another outstanding season.

The Hawthorn forward booted 51 goals in the home and away rounds, while adding a further three in the first final last Friday night.

Gunston was also named vice-captain of the team, with Essendon’s Dyson Heppell named the skipper for the second straight year.

Now in his third season as a Hawk after starting his career in Adelaide, Gunston has positively responded to the challenge of taking on more responsibility inside 50 following the departure of Lance Franklin, enjoying his best season in the AFL to date.

After being named Hawthorn’s best player in last year’s finals series, Gunston has played 20 of a possible 23 games and averaged 16.1 disposals, 5.9 marks and 2.5 goals.

It is the second time Gunston has been named in the side, also picked in last year’s inaugural team.

The team was decided by the supporters, with the AFL Players’ Association calling on all footy fans to cast their votes by liking the AFL Players’ Facebook page and selecting a 22Under22 team from the 45-man squad.

Hawthorn wingman Bradley Hill was picked in the squad but didn’t make the final line-up.