GIANTS young guns Zarlie Goldsworthy and Tarni Evans have been recognised as amongst the best young talent in the competition, named in the AFLPA’s 22Under22 team, presented by Local Expert.

Their selection comes on the back of stellar seasons for the GIANTS duo, with Goldsworthy enduring a record-breaking season while Evans continued her emergence as one of the competition’s best defenders.

Goldsworthy, one of the red-hot favourites for the AFLW Rising Star award, announced herself as one of the most exciting young talents in the competition this season on her way to becoming the GIANTS’ youngest ever club champion, taking home the Gabrielle Trainor Medal.

Spending time as both a midfielder and a dangerous forward, the 18-year-old finished the season as the GIANTS’ leading goalkicker to go along with averages of 18.3 disposals, 6.6 tackles and 2.1 clearances across her 10 games.

Goldsworthy also made history in round eight when she became the youngest ever player to kick five goals in an AFLW game.

In just her second season, the selection marks the first time the teenage sensation has been included in the 22under22 side.

Meanwhile teammate Evans’ features in the side for a second straight season as the dashing defender continues to be recognised as one of the stars of the future.

Elevated to the GIANTS’ leadership group ahead of the season, Evans let her actions do the talking with another starring season leading the GIANTS’ defence.

The 21-year-old averaged 16.3 disposals and 5.7 intercept possessions per game while leading the entire competition for rebound 50’s per game with 6.4 an outing.

After being selecting in the initial 44-player squad, voting for the final 22Under22 team was decided through a fan vote, with Evans and Goldsworthy taking their places on the half back line and forward pocket respectively.

GIANTS AFLW head coach Cam Bernasconi said the duo’s selection was well deserved.

“Both Zarlie and Tarni had fantastic seasons so it’s great to see them rewarded,” Bernasconi said.

“It’s incredible to see what Zarlie did in just her second season and we’re so excited about what her future holds at the GIANTS.

“Likewise with Tarni, she was voted into the leadership group this year and continued to show why’s she highly valued both at our club and externally.

“Both of these girls are going to be a huge part of what we see as an exciting future at the club.”