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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Sydney

Players: Jack Buller (23), Chad Warner (23), Braeden Campbell (23), Logan McDonald (23), Errol Gulden (22), Will Edwards (21), Matthew Roberts (21), Corey Warner (21), Angus Sheldrick (21), Caleb Mitchell (20), Caiden Cleary (20), Indhi Kirk (20), Tom Hanily (19), Patrick Snell (19), Will Green (19), Riak Andrew (19), Blake Leidler (19), Jesse Dattoli (18), Ned Bowman (18)

Sydney is well and truly in the premiership window, which means there's not much reliance on their youngsters.

However, firmly placed in this list are two budding stars by the names of Chad Warner and Errol Gulden, while Logan McDonald is finding his place at the top level.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Errol Gulden of the Swans celebrates after kicking a goal during the round one AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Sydney Swans at The Gabba on March 20, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Braeden Campbell and Matt Roberts are earmarked for more opportunities as the club looks to go younger, with Dane Rampe, Harry Cunningham and Jake Lloyd entering the twilight of their careers.

Caiden Cleary and Angus Sheldrick were seen fleetingly in the senior side due to the durability and star power the Bloods possess.

Jesse Dattoli joins the club highly rated as a crafty small forward but a pre-season injury will delay a debut to much later in the year.

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