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
Western Bulldogs
Players:ย Lachlan McNeil (23), Sam Davidson (23), Luke Cleary (23), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (23), James O'Donnell (22), Caleb Poulter (22), Arthur Jones (21), Sam Darcy (21), Harvey Gallagher (21), Jedd Busslinger (21), Ryley Sanders (20), Jordan Croft (19), Lachlan Smith (19), Joel Freijah (19), Cooper Hynes (19), Lachie Jaques (18), Luke Kennedy (18), Josh Dolan (18)
Looking at this list in isolation, the Bulldogs would be pleased with how they've drafted and developed their next generation of talent.
Key forward prongs Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan look poised to run the competition despite being relatively raw in their progression.
Harvey Gallagher took the most of his opportunities in the senior side, playing as a forward-midfielder while Ryley Sanders is expected to feature more under Luke Beveridge given the departure of Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae and Caleb Daniel.
Young defender Joel Freijah continues to put no foot wrong in his journey, dominating pre-season time trials and showcasing his ability to play both small and tall.
Joining Freijah down back is cricketer-turned-footballer James O'Donnell, which Bulldogs supporters would be pleased when he switched codes.
