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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GWS

Players:ย 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.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Darcy Jones of the Giants /iaduring the round seven AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Brisbane Lions at Manuka Oval on April 25, 2024 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

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.

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