The AFL is brimming with young talent, and as we head into the 2025 season, several clubs boast exciting young cores that could define the league's future.
To determine the top five, we've ranked teams based on their best players aged 22 or under* for the year ahead.
These rising stars are set to shape the competition in the years to come, so which team has the brightest future?
*Players listed 22 and under must've been 21 or under as of December 31, 2024.
4. St Kilda
St Kilda boasts a young core filled with players who have the potential to develop into superstars over the next few years.
Leading the charge are Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitch Owens, Marcus Windhager, and Mattaes Phillipou, all of whom have already shown glimpses of their immense talent.
Darcy Wilson proved last season that he is an absolute workhorse, and reports suggest he has had a massive off-season, setting the stage for further improvement.
Supporting the Saints' young guns are solid role players in Anthony Caminiti, Arie Schoenmaker, and Hugo Garcia, who add valuable depth to the side.
With the addition of two first-round picks in Alix Tauru and Tobie Travaglia, St Kilda's youth stocks have only strengthened, giving fans plenty to be excited about heading into 2025.
Players 22 and Under: Alex Dodson, Alixzander Tauru, Eamonn Armstrong, Hugh Boxshall, James Barrat, Patrick Said, Tobie Travaglia, Angus Hastie, Arie Schoenmaker, Darcy Wilson, Hugo Garcia, Lance Collard, Isaac Keeler, Mattaes Phillipou, Angus McLennan, Anthony Caminiti, Liam O'Connell, Marcus Windhager, Mitch Owens, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
