The past three AFL Mid-Season Drafts have seen an average of six VFL players earn list spots at the higher level after putting forward promising first halves to their respective campaigns to earn a selection.
The likes of Jai Newcombe, Sam Durham, Massimo D'Ambrosio and Jordan Boyd are among the crop of VFL talent to earn mid-year promotions, with potentially half a dozen more to be recruited at the 2024 intake on May 29.
Whether they're mature-aged prospects, straight out of the Talent League or recently plucked from the local level, the VFL has continued to develop talent worthy of the top level.
Here we've listed five of the form players in VFL this year who could earn some interest from AFL clubs for the Mid-Season Draft.
The oldest player on this list, Velissaris is one of the leading mature-aged midfielders outside of the AFL.
The 25-year-old has been a sensation in the middle of the field for the Northern Bullants over the past two seasons, with his 2023 campaign capped off with a Team of the Year selection despite featuring in a two-win side.
Velissaris' dominant ball-winning form went to new heights last year and his 2024 has only strengthened his case for a potential call-up to the AFL, currently leading the VFL for disposals at an average of 33.1 per game.
The attacking midfielder can also influence the front half of the field, recording 31 or more disposals and a goal in four of his past five games thanks to his explosiveness and nous around the contest.
These attributes saw Werribee's Shaun Mannagh earn an AFL list spot last year and could do the same for Velissaris this month.
Teammate Patrick Fairlie is another Bullant who could earn the attention of AFL clubs for the Mid-Season Draft also, often pairing with Velissaris to give the standalone side some fight.
Coburg's Flynn Gentile is one of the more promising players coming through the ranks in the VFL, with the Calder Cannons product a star for another one of the VFL's standalone clubs.
The crafty midfielder enjoyed a breakout year with the Lions in 2023 and has managed to take his game to new heights this season, averaging 24.9 disposals, 5.7 clearances, 5.9 inside 50s and 4.0 tackler per game struggling Coburg unit.
The 21-year-old spent three years with the Cannons before making the step to senior state league action, where he has looked at ease against AFL-listed talent.
Gentile's eye for goal and clean ball work are among the facets of his game that would attract some interest from AFL clubs.
Smartt, 18, has been able to share his time between the VFL with Essendon and with the Young Guns squad so far this year, adding to a promising draft campaign in 2023 that includes roles in the Vic Country system, with the Bendigo Pioneers and at the senior level in the Heathcote District competition.
Smartt went at almost a goal and an average of 4.5 tackles per game in the Talent League last year, developing into a promising pressure forward for Bendigo.
Having joined the Bombers's reserves for this season, Smartt has looked comfortable at the high level, with the teenager enjoying a four-goal performance against a contending Footscray side in April.
The Leitchville Gubower product played in both games for the Young Guns ahead of the Mid-Season Draft and would tally five goals across his pair of appearances.
Any side keen to add to his crop of small forwards may not need to look too far beyond Smartt, who might even earn the interest of Essendon and secure an internal promotion at Tullamarine.
Hutchinson's name has been heavily discussed in the lead-up to the Mid-Season Draft, with scouts said to be highly interested in the leaping key forward.
The 22-year-old joined Collingwood's VFL program from Wonthaggi this year and made an instant impact at the higher level, booting nine goals in his first five games for the club.
Hutchinson's aerial dominance is a standout feature for the young forward, who has been backed to take the next step in his career.
"He's showing his talent. That mark today is an example of what he can do," Hutsching's VFL coach Josh Fraser said last month.
"He's exciting. I think he's got huge upside. From the small sample we've seen... he's got AFL attributes, that's for sure."
One Hawthorn fans might be familiar with, as Hall has been a continued presence among Box Hill's best performers throughout the current season.
The Hawks' affiliate side has again started this year strongly, winning five of their first seven games, with Hall among the consistent contributors through the middle of the field.
Often working alongside the likes of AFL-listed talent in Josh Ward, Henry Hustwaite and Cooper Stephens, as well as ex-Collingwood onballer and VFL star Callum Brown, Hall is proving to surpass the standards at the state level.
At just 22 years of age, Hall could add some youth to an AFL club's engine room ensemble, with his ball-winning prowess good for 23.6 disposals, 4.3 tackles and 3.4 clearances.
Also capable of playing in the front half of the field, Hall could be one the Hawks are keen on, having enjoyed a strong run of recruitment out of Box Hill over recent seasons.