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

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Port Adelaide

Players: Dylan Williams (23), Mitch Georgiades (23), Jackson Mead (23), Miles Bergman (23), Ollie Lord (23), Lachlan Jones (23), Josh Sinn (22), Dante Visentini (22), Hugh Jackson (21), Jason Horne-Francis (21), Jase Burgoyne (21), Jacob Moss (20), Will Lorenz (20), Tom Anastasopoulos (19), Xavier Walsh (19), Logan Evans (19), Tom Cochrane (19), Joe Berry (19), Benny Barrett (18), Jack Whitlock (18), Christian Moraes (18)

Port Adelaide boosted their youthful mix with three exciting prospects in the most recent draft.

Joe Berry was selected first as an impressive small forward while utility Jack Whitlock and midfielder Christian Moraes followed shortly after.

Despite his standing in the game, Jason Horne-Francis makes this list with ease and will continue to do so in the next couple of seasons.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Jason Horne-Francis of the Power in action during the 2023 AFL Round 07 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on April 28, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The former Roo took his game to new heights and began adding forward craft to his repertoire, which spells danger.

Mitch Georgiades returned from a serious knee injury to produce a career-best campaign, becoming the focal point of the Power attack.

Miles Bergman has also emerged as a top-line defender but could be used further up the ground while Lachie Jones and Josh Sinn are expected to be seen more.

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