Talented young GIANTS Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto have been acknowledged for stellar seasons with selection in the initial AFL Players' Association 22Under22 squad.

The 40-player squad comprises the league's best young talent aged under 22, including the likes of Swans young gun Isaac Heeney, Western Bulldogs' Marcus Bontempelli and Essendon vice-captain Zach Merrett, to name a few.

Hopper, 21, made his debut for the GIANTS in 2016, and has enjoyed his most consistent season to date, playing 17 games so far and averaging 21.7 disposals, five tackles, 4.5 clearances and 10.4 contested possessions a game, as well as kicking 10 goals.

Second-year GIANT Taranto, 20, has backed up a solid debut season, playing 19 of a possible 20 games in 2018.

He is averaging 20.7 disposals, 6.3 tackles, 3.9 clearances and 9.6 contested possessions a game, and is ranked equal 12th in the league for tackles with 120 for the season.

To be eligible for selection in the AFLPA 22Under22, players must be aged 22 years and under for the entirety of the season, including the finals series.

GIANTS midfield star Josh Kelly was the club's sole representative in the 2017 team.

The squad of 40 will be cut to 22 ahead of the AFL Players' MVP Awards.

Now in its sixth year, the 22Under22 is a fan-voted award and provides the footy public with the power to select the final 22.

Fans can visit 22under22.com.au to cast their vote, before the final team is revealed at the AFL Players’ MVP Awards on Thursday, August 30.

Fans who submit a team that matches the final 22Under22 team will automatically go into the draw to win an AFL Players’ prize pack. 

Voting closes on Tuesday, August 28, 2018.