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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Carlton

Players:ย Brodie Kemp (23), Corey Durdin (23), Elijah Hollands (22), Jesse Motlop (21), Oliver Hollands (21), Harry Lemmey (21), Rob Monahan (20), Jaxon Binns (20), Lachlan Cowan (20), Hudson O'Keeffe (20), Cooper Lord (20), Ashton Moir (20), Billy Wilson (19), Jagga Smith (19), Harry O'Farrell (18), Harry Charleson (18), Ben Camporeale (18), Lucas Camporeale (18), Matt Duffy (18)

Carlton's youth holds a lot of depth players who are still making their way in the game.

The Hollands brothers have quickly established themselves as starters under Michael Voss, playing across multiple positions.

Small forward pair Jesse Motlop and Corey Durdin should look to lock down roles in the short and long term.

But arguably the most exciting name in the Blues' youth is Jagga Smith, Pick 3 in last year's draft.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Jagga Smith of the Blues poses for a photograph during the 2024 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Carlton made it obvious that they were keen to bring him in from the moment their season finished.

Smith's evasiveness, cleanliness and foot were on display during his draft year and the Blues could use that in their midfield to help deliver the ball to spearhead forwards Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow.

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