Following their earliest years in the AFL, players will break through the ceiling above them and shine like never before, showing signs of the star they can be.

Sometimes it's the beginning of a star in the making, other times it's an anomaly. Sometimes it's a player at the dawn of their career, other times it's a player with a handful of seasons in the bank.

Here are 10 players we predict will take their game to the next level in 2023.

3. Brandon Zerk-Thatcher

The coaching shakeup at Essendon looks likely to reinvigorate the playing group, including defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.

The 24-year-old finished the year with eight consecutive games, his most since 2020, and was in good form through those appearances.

If he is to continue that form into 2023, the South Australian is well-placed to go to the next level.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher of the Bombers marks the ball during the round 16 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 02, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

A good pre-season would go a long way in his development and it seems that has been the case, with Zerk-Thatcher saying he rolled back into the club earlier than needed.

He says he has worked on his fitness more so he could run out games and get involved in the contest.

With fellow defender Mason Redman breaking out in 2022, expect the moustached high flyer to follow suit.