The AFL competition is hard enough to make as it is, but when entering the league as a pimple-faced, recently graduated high school student, the mountain just got much bigger to climb.
Each and every year, clubs welcome a host of future stars via the draft, as the race to fill a need or target a specific player heats up.
Other youngsters may bide their time in the various reserve competitions around the nation before they are given an opportunity at the big time.
But a lot of what makes an AFL club succeed isn't what those in the twilight or prime of their careers do, but what those just starting their journey contribute.
Brisbane's 2024 premiership team saw the emergence of Will Ashcroft, Kai Lohmann, Logan Morris, Jaspa Fletcher and Darcy Wilmot, players who are still putting red P-plates on cars.
But with a new year comes a new season, and a new crop of youngsters to assess.
We take a closer look at your team's youth, considering what they've achieved but also their potential...
*We are including players who are 23 as of January 1st, 2025
Adelaide
Players: Sam Berry (23), Karl Gallagher (23), Luke Pedlar (22), Riley Thilthorpe (22), Brayden Cook (22), James Borlase (22), Jake Soligo (22), Zac Taylor (22), Josh Rachele (22), Luke Nankervis (21), Toby Murray (21), Max Michalanney (21), Billy Dowling (20), Hugh Bond (20), Dan Curtin (20), Oscar Ryan (19), Charlie Edwards (19), Sid Draper (18), Tyler Welsh (18)
Adelaide is slowly building toward a sweet spot for the club and there's enough youth to work with.
A few unheralded names appear on this list, with Max Michalanney, Luke Nankervis and Jake Soligo looking down roles under Matthew Nicks in recent times.
The x-factor of Josh Rachele should excite Crows fans for years to come, especially given he is locked away to a long-term deal.
Key forward Riley Thilthorpe has yet to come on as the club had hoped but putting aside his injury woes, he should become a force to be reckoned with.
Thenย two top-10 picks Dan Curtinย andย Sid Draper haveย talent to spare.
The pair are eyeing big minutes in 2025 but should be eased into life as AFL footballers.
