There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a young star take the next step and realise their potential.
Every club has those players that they hope to build around for their future.
Here is Zero Hanger's 18 players who all have the ability to be major influences for their respective clubs in 2019.
Fogarty has all the tools to become a premier key forward. He’s a strong mark overhead and can kick long on both feet. He showed signs during 2018 and could feature heavily in 2019 as Adelaide look to recover the spark that saw them make the grand final in 2017.
McCluggage is already one of the Lions’ better players and had some outstanding games in 2018, including a three-goal, 26-disposal performance against North Melbourne in round 20. The 20-year-old will look to cement a place in Brisbane’s dynamic midfield in 2019 and build off his promising first two years.
McKay has struggled to play consistent senior footy since his 2017 debut, yet has booted 24 goals in 15 games. McKay has shown his ability to take big marks and kick multiple goals regularly, but will need to stay fit in order to find his place in the Blues side.
It may have taken him three seasons to make his debut, but Sier has shown signs of becoming a key member of Collingwood’s midfield. A big-bodied player, Sier averaged 19.5 disposals in his first 12 games and showed why he could be a big part of the Magpies’ exciting future.
The former number one pick has been eased into a midfield role with the Bombers, spending most of his time on the wing and across half back. McGrath’s run and carry as well as his ability to find the ball should see him transition into a permanent midfield role and become a key part of the side in the next few years.
Banfield impressed in his first year as a midfielder and especially as a tagger. The 20-year-old has proved to be a frustrating player to match up on, having shut down the likes of Shaun Higgins and Jack Steven. The youngster could be the heir to Ryan Crowley’s throne.
Parfitt’s 2018 season was full of promise. Apart from a hamstring injury that saw him miss four games, Parfitt played all season averaging 18 disposals. His ability to win the ball, kick goals and apply pressure could see him become one of Geelong’s top players.
Brodie has shown flashes of the ability that saw him taken with pick nine in 2016. In eight games he averaged 19 disposals, but failed to lock down a place in the side. With all the departures Gold Coast suffered, Brodie should be able to play consistently and build on promising signs from this season.
Taranto averaged 21 disposals in his second season without anyone really noticing. He has already shown that he can play consistently at a high level and can hit the scoreboard while doing it. With GWS continuing to lose players, Taranto will get more midfield time in 2019 and could take the next step in becoming a top-class player.
Worpel is almost a sure thing to become a key part of Hawthorn’s midfield. Strong-bodied and clean below his knees, Worpel has all the attributes to be a great inside midfielder playing alongside Tom Mitchell. All the proof that’s needed is in this video.
https://twitter.com/aflcomau/status/1029238466507403265?lang=en
Fritsch was excellent in his first season and showed an ability to play at both ends of the ground and on the wing, using his marking ability to great effect. He played a strong finals series off half-back before being cruelly dropped for the preliminary final. The Demons are clearly invested in Fritsch for the future and the 21-year-old looks set to repay the faith.
Simpkin has all the ability in the world. An agile mover who can kick with both feet and hit the scoreboard, Simpkin has found a place in North’s side, but is yet to fully settle into a role. In 2019, he could end up being a 20-disposal per game player or kick 25 goals as a forward, but needs to find some consistency and avoid going missing in games.
Marshall showed signs of his abilities in early 2018 before missing much of the season after a family tragedy. A strong mark and accurate kick, Marshall could be an excellent third tall forward for the Power in 2019. Getting a full season could be just what he needs in order to take the next step in his development.
Already a cult figure at Punt Road for his off-field personality, his on-field ability could see him become the number one small forward for the Tigers. A smart player and noted goal sneak, Higgins can play in the midfield and up forward. A solid debut season should see Higgins lock down his place in the side in 2019 and further establish himself as a dangerous player.
Battle has the attributes to be a high half-forward player. Elite endurance and goal-kicking abilities are what make Battle stand out, but he has so far struggled to get a place in the Saints side. He has the size and skill to become a key part of the St Kilda forward line along with the likes of Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and incoming draft pick, Max King.
McCartin was the youngest player in the league in 2018, but it never felt like it. He showed the poise and ability of a more experienced forward. A strong mark with exceptional athleticism, he is set to be the perfect fit for the Swans forward line after the retirement of Kurt Tippett. He needs to find the goals more often in 2019, but has all the qualities of a long-term key forward.
Waterman showed promise without being spectacular in his first year. He showed in several games that he can be a strong contributor and frequently hit the scoreboard. He will undoubtedly be given chances in 2019 and has the talent to look down a spot in West Coast’s forward line.
At just 18 years of age, Naughton has plenty of time to reach his potential. Having said that, Naughton was excellent in his first year, proving to be a tough one-on-one match up and a brilliant interceptor. A brief trip to the forward line was promising and showcases his versatility ahead of his second year, where he will become a bigger part of the Bulldogs’ game plan.