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
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.
Then two top-10 picks Dan Curtin and Sid Draper have talent to spare.
The pair are eyeing big minutes in 2025 but should be eased into life as AFL footballers.
Players: Deven Robertson (23), Henry Smith (22), Kai Lohmann (21), James Tunstill (21), Darcy Wilmot (21), Shadeau Brain (21), Jaspa Fletcher (21), Will Ashcroft (20), Darcy Craven (20), Will McLachlan (20), Logan Morris (19), Reece Torrent (19), Luke Lloyd (19), Zane Zakostelsky (19), Sam Marshall (19), Ty Gallop (19), Levi Ashcroft (18)
A lot of Brisbane's 2024 premiership was off the back of their young stars standing up in crucial moments.
And ironically, they welcome two highly-touted prospects from the newest crop into the fold that should hold the Lions in good stead for years to come.
Brisbane's under-23 cohort had five premiership players while Deven Robertson was unfortunate to be watching from the sidelines.
The Ashcroft brothers will be an intriguing watch for the next decade or so while Sam Marshall is the forgotten gem given the media frenzy surrounding Levi's journey to the AFL.
Kai Lohmann is expected to rise in everyone's estimations following his shot up the ranks as fellow forward Logan Morris will benefit from the experience of big games.
Players: 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.
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.
Players: Charlie Dean (23), Wil Parker (22), Finlay Macrae (22), Reef McInnes (22), Nick Daicos (22), Ned Long (22), Oscar Steene (21), Harvey Harrison (21), Edward Allan (20), Jakob Ryan (20), Tew Jiath (20), Iliro Smit (19), Harry DeMattia (19), Charlie West (19), Joel Cochran (19), Will Hayes (18)
Aside from Collingwood's wunderkind Nick Daicos, there isn't much for Pies fans to get excited about in the future.
Reef McInnes and Finlay Macrae have had ample time to establish themselves as regulars in Craig McRae's side but have faltered more often than not.
Charlie Dean's persistent battles with injury and form have curtailed his AFL career to date while Ned Long played a role in the back half of 2024 due to the absence of some familiar faces.
But if there's something to glean from Collingwood's under-23 list is the appearance of Harvey Harrison and Ed Allan, who both proved to be very capable at the top level.
As for the influx of recent draftees, the Pies took a key defender, a key forward and a smart-running wingman.
Players: Saad El-Hawli (23), Jaxon Prior (23), Sam Durham (23), Nick Bryan (23), Nikolas Cox (23), Zach Reid (23), Archie Perkins (23), Jye Menzie (22), Ben Hobbs (21), Alwyn Davey Jnr (21), Elijah Tsatas (20), Lewis Hayes (20), Luamon Lual (20), Nate Caddy (19), Vigo Visentini (19), Archie Roberts (19), Isaac Kako (19), Kayle Gerreyn (18), Archer Day-Wicks (18), Jayden Nguyen (18), Rhys Unwin (18), Angus Clarke (18), Zak Johnson (18)
Essendon's entire list ranks as one of the youngest in the competition and it is due to the aforementioned names.
The Bombers' young contingent is led by a host of former first-round selections, including the trio from the 2020 AFL Draft.
Of this group, Sam Durham has emerged as an outright gun of the competition despite his unique route to the top level while Nate Caddy has shown plenty of promise after 12 months in the system.
However, as a result of the large amounts of midfielders at the club, talented players like Ben Hobbs and Elijah Tsatas are forced to bide their time in the VFL until a position opens up, which is difficult to see for the foreseeable future.
Essendon are buoyed by the inclusion of NGA prospect Isaac Kako while Angus Clarke has impressed during his first pre-season at the Hangar.
Players: Jeremy Sharp (23), Luke Jackson (23), Heath Chapman (23), Nathan O'Driscoll (22), Karl Worner (22), Josh Treacy (22), Brandon Walker (22), Matthew Johnson (22), Patrick Voss (21), Jye Amiss (21), Neil Erasmus (21), Jaren Carr (21), Joshua Draper (21), Hugh Davies (20), Cooper Simpson (20), Jack Delean (20), Ollie Murphy (19), Odin Jones (19), Aiden Riddle (19), Charlie Nicholls (18), Murphy Reid (18)
As Fremantle enters the 2025 season, the weight of expectation has started to build with many pundits believing, given their list, they should be contending for a flag.
Luke Jackson still finds his way on this list despite being a star ruckman from the get-go, playing an integral part in Melbourne's drought-breaking premiership before departing to his home state.
Key forward duo Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss took major steps toward becoming an elite one-two punch in the front half in 2024, combining for 81 goals. A benchmark that should be met most years.
Heath Chapman has battled injuries but is a first-choice defender while Josh Draper and Brandon Walker are certainly pressing their case for consistent call-ups in the senior side.
But one Dockers fans would be super pleased with is the drafting of Murphy Reid, who many tipped to be in the top five conversation.
Reid slipped late in the first round but poses as one of the biggest steals, playing an eerily similar game to Harry Sheezel.
Players: Tanner Bruhn (23), Shannon Neale (22), Oliver Henry (22), Max Holmes (22), Oliver Wiltshire (22), Mitch Knevitt (22), Toby Conway (21), Lawson Humphries (21), Oliver Dempsey (21), Ted Clohesy (20), Jhye Clark (20), George Stevens (20), Joe Pike (19), Connor O'Sullivan (19), Mitchell Edwards (19), Keighton Matofai-Forbes (19), Patrick Retschko (19), Xavier Ivisic (18), Jay Polkinghorne (18), Lennox Hofmann (18), Jacob Molier (18), Cillian Burke (18)
Geelong historically haven't been known for their youth, with their uncanny ability to attract established stars to the club preventing them from having to rely on their younger cohort.
However, 2025 has a different feel for the Cats.
Despite holding a plethora of mature-aged talents, Chris Scott has given a glimpse into what the future might hold for the perenially contending club.
Shannon Neale and Oliver Henry look ripe to take over the forward line while Max Holmes and Tanner Bruhn will be given more responsibility through the midfield.
Oliver Dempsey is a Rising Star Award recipient and is bound to improve on his impressive 2024 campaign as is depth-turned-star defender Lawson Humphries.
Mitch Knevitt and Jhye Clark have put up big numbers in the VFL and continue to consistently bang on the door of selection while project talls Toby Conway and Connor O'Sullivan have been seen in the senior side.
Players: Malcolm Rosas (23), Matt Rowell (23), Sam Flanders (23), Ned Moyle (23), Joel Jeffrey (23), Alex Davies (23), Sam Clohesy (22), Mac Andrew (22), Bodhi Uwland (21), Max Knobel (20), Bailey Humphrey (20), Lloyd Johnston (20), Jake Rogers (20), Jed Walter (19), Ethan Read (19), Will Graham (19), Asher Eastham (18), Leo Lombard (18), Lachlan Gulbin (18), Cooper Bell (18)
There shouldn't be any shock to think that the Suns young core is one of the best in the competition.
The expansion club has the lingering effects of trading out players for picks, meaning high-end talent continues to walk through the door each year.
Loe Lombard was the most recent example of that, following in the suit of the quartet of academy graduates Jed Walter, Jake Rogers, Ethan Read and Will Graham from the 2023 intake.
Matt Rowell somehow makes this group despite his dominance as a contested bull inside the midfield while Sam Flanders is quickly joining in on the act after being promoted from the half-back line.
Ned Moyle is ready to pounce on the primary ruck role while Mac Andrew could literally be anything, given his unlimited potential.
But a relatively forgotten player on this list is Bailey Humphrey, whose Dustin Martin-like tendencies can see him turn into a future star of the competition.
However, Damien Hardwick has a tough job in culling most of the list to the reserves side, meaning year after year, rivals began to plan an all-out attack at luring them away from Queensland.
Players: Wade Derksen (23), Lachie Ash (23), Leek Aleer (23), Conor Stone (22), Ryan Angwin (22), Finn Callaghan (21), Josh Fahey (21), Aaron Cadman (21), Darcy Jones (21), Nick Madden (20), Max Gruzewski (20), Toby McMullin (20), Harry Rowston (20), Nathan Wardius (20), Joe Fonti (20), Harvey Thomas (19), Phoenix Gothard (19), James Leake (19), Cody Angove (18), Harrison Oliver (18), Josaia Delana (18), Oliver Hannaford (18), Logan Smith (18), Jack Ough (18)
Like their expansion-club counterpart Gold Coast, the Giants consistently sit among the best in the competition due to the ongoing recycling of star juniors making their way into the AFL system.
Finn Callaghan is arguably the best of the crop and rightly so, putting together Marcus Bontempelli-like performances with his silky left foot and incredible field vision.
Darcy Jones and Harvey Thomas have quickly made names for themselves as key contributors to the 'Orange Tsunami' while Aaron Cadman has locked in a role inside forward 50.
Lachie Ash's speed and dare off-half back allow the Giants to get their offensive game going from the back half.
But as 40 cannot be squeezed into 23, Adam Kingsley is left holding difficult conversations with worthy youngsters who rarely make the cut each week.
Players: Will Day (23), Seamus Mitchell (22), Jack Ginnivan (22), Connor MacDonald (22), Sam Butler (22), Jai Serong (22), Max Ramsden (22), Jaime Uhr-Henry (21), Massimo D'Ambrosio (21), Josh Ward (21), Cameron Mackenzie (21), Josh Weddle (20), Henry Hustwaite (20), Bailey MacDonald (20), Jasper Scaife (20), Nick Watson (20), Bodie Ryan (20), Matt Hill (20) Calsher Dear (19), Will McCabe (19), Cody Anderson (19), Noah Mraz (19)
A lot of Hawthorn's 2024 forward line-up sit amongst this group, namely their three-pronged antagonists in the name of Jack Ginnivan, Connor Macdonald and Nick Watson.
Will Day poses the biggest threat to the competition, with the Hawks gun emerging as the next big thing through his evasiveness and clean hands in traffic.
Josh Weddle's versatility and running capacity have Hawthorn fans brimming with excitement while the acquisition of Massimo D'Ambrosio from Essendon proved to be a stroke of genius.
Depth on-ballers Josh Ward and Cam Mackenzie continue to ply their trade and are seen more often than not in Sam Mitchell's side, albeit in roles they haven't traditionally played.
Players: Kysaiah Pickett (23), Trent Rivers (23), Daniel Turner (23), Bailey Laurie (23), Jake Bowey (22), Harry Sharp (22), Taj Woewodin (22), Blake Howes (22), Jacob Van Rooyen (22), Judd McVee (21), Andy Moniz-Wakefield (21), Matthew Jefferson (21), Will Verrall (21), Oliver Sestan (21), Jed Adams (20), Kynan Brown (20), Caleb Windsor (19), Koltyn Tholstrup (19), Luker Kentfield (19), Harvey Langford (19), Xavier Lindsay (18), Ricky Mentha (18)
Melbourne's attempt to avoid the 2010s fiasco of sinking and remaining at the bottom of the competition's floor has been successful.
The Demons have begun to find ways of bringing young stars in whilst being a competitive side.
Kysaiah Pickett is a star small forward but is being watched closely by rival clubs while the likes of Trent Rivers, Judd McVee, Jacob van Rooyen and Caleb Windsor instantly make Simon Goodwin's team better.
The two recent draftings of Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay were good business by Melbourne, with the former eyeing an early season debut.
Matthew Jefferson is chomping at the bit for an opportunity in the forward line while Koltyn Tholstrup is looking more and more comfortable at the level.
Players: Charlie Comben (23), Tom Powell (23), Will Phillips (22), Eddie Ford (22), Miller Bergman (22), Paul Curtis (22), Josh Goater (21), Finnbar Maley (21), Jackson Archer (21), Brayden George (21), Robert Hansen Jr (21), George Wardlaw (20), Cooper Harvey (20), Harry Sheezel (20), Jacob Konstanty (20), Riley Hardeman (20), Colby McKercher (20), Taylor Goad (19), Zane Duursma (19), Geordie Payne (19), Wil Dawson (19), Matt Whitlock (18), Finn O'Sullivan (18), River Stevens (18), Luke Urquhart (18)
The Kangaroos have arguably one of the most stacked youth cohorts in the competition, and there is no surprise why.
An influx of first-round draft picks over the last few years has seen them rise up this list, but not for the right reasons.
Harry Sheezel could be the greatest North Melbourne player when all is said and done while his partner-in-crime George Wardlaw is a force to be reckoned with.
Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma will be given more time but they have already started to make waves while Finn O'Sullivan is expected to make an immediate impact.
Charlie Comben's emergence as a swing player surprised most, but once deployed in defence, proved he could match it with the competition's best key forwards.
Jackson Archer, like his father, is quickly becoming a hard-edged lockdown defender who doesn't give an inch, which will hold the Roos in good stead.
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.
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.
Players: Thomson Dow (23), Hugo Ralphsmith (23), Jacob Blight (23), Maurice Rioli (23), Jacob Bauer (22), James Trezise (22), Tyler Sonsie (22), Sam Banks (22), Josh Gibcus (22), Tom Brown (21), Campbell Gray (21), Judson Clarke (21), Steely Green (21), Kaleb Smith (20), Seth Campbell (20), Kane McAuliffe (20), Liam Fawcett (19), Jonty Faull (19), Luke Trainor (19), Thomas Sims (18), Josh Smillie (18), Harry Armstrong (18), Taj Hotton (18), Sam Lalor (18), Jasper Alger (18)
The Tigers' crop of youngsters is skewed by the stream of draftees that came from last year's crop, led by Sam Lalor and Josh Smillie.
Richmond, intentionally, has gone young and decided to bite the bullet by sending away a host of premiership stars to bring in the best young talent in the competition.
As for those already at the club, Thomson Dow is finding his feet as an inside midfielder while Kane McAuliffe is on a similar trajectory.
Josh Gibcus' first priority is returning his body to full fitness but has shown he is capable of making an impact.
The small forward contingent of Seth Campbell, Tyler Sonsie, Maurice Rioli and Judson Clarke raffle for a spot under Adem Yze, which will be up for grabs in 2025.
Players: Ryan Byrnes (23), Liam Henry (23), Max Hall (23), Max Heath (22), Jack Carroll (22), Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (22), Liam O'Connell (22), Marcus Windhager (21), Mitch Owens (21), Anthony Caminiti (21), Isaac Keeler (20), Angus McLennan (20), Mattaes Phillipou (20), Arie Schoenmaker (20), Lance Collard (20), Hugo Garcia (19), Darcy Wilson (19), Angus Hastie (19), Patrick Said (18), Alex Dodson (18), Hugh Boxshall (18), Tobie Travaglia (18), Alixzander Tauru (18), James Barrat (18), Eamonn Armstrong (18)
Looking at this list, the Saints would be excited by what they can do in the years to come.
However, for a club that's won one premiership in all its time, their fans' patience is wearing thin.
Nevertheless, there are huge wraps on Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager and Mitch Owens as future stars of the competition.
After a sluggish start to 2024, Mattaes Phillipou made a role his own as a genuine midfielder and will look to build on that late-season form.
Liam Henry's early days at St Kilda shun bright before persistent injuries cruelled his maiden season at the club.
Darcy Wilson's upside cannot get Saints supporters off their seats quickly enough.
Add in the top-10 selections of Tobie Travaglia and Alix Tauru, and the red, white and black look set for the long term.
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.
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.
Players: Jack Hutchinson (23), Tyler Brockman (22), Brady Hough (22), Campbell Chesser (21), Rhett Bazzo (21), Jack Williams (21), Harry Barnett (21), Tyrell Dewar (21), Elijah Hewett (20), Noah Long (20), Ryan Maric (20), Reuben Ginbey (20), Harley Reid (20), Clay Hall (19), Coen Livingstone (19), Loch Rawlinson (19), Harvey Johnston (19), Archer Reid (19), Bo Allan (19), Hamish Davis (18), Malakai Champion (18), Jobe Shanahan (18), Tom Gross (18), Lucca Grego (18)
Like Richmond and North Melbourne, this list is skewed towards tremendous upside due to the disappointing finishes across the past three seasons.
Harley Reid leads the pack despite only being in the competition for 12 months.
Reuben Ginbey has shown plenty to lead Eagles fans to believe he will be a club stalwart come the end of his career while Brady Hough's shot up the ranks following his efforts in quelling the opposition's best small forwards.
Campbell Chesser, Noah Long and Elijah Hewett have all featured at the level but will be looking for more consistency.
But West Coast should be closely watching the development of local talent Bo Allan. The youngster joined the club in the latest draft intake and can play across all lines, leading to a potential early-season debut.
Players: 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.