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. 

3. West Coast

Despite a controversial draft period at the end of last year, which saw them trade away Pick 3, the Eagles didn't fare too badly in strengthening their young core.

At the heart of it is sensation Harley Reid, who continues to be the standout. Supporting him are Brady Hough and Reuben Ginbey, two players who have quietly established themselves among the most underrated in the league.

While injuries stalled the development of Elijah Hewett, Noah Long, and Rhett Bazzo last season, all three are expected to make a statement in 2025. Positional changes for Ryan Maric and Tyrell Dewar have them highly rated within the Eagles' setup heading into the new season.

Meanwhile, draftees Bo Allan, Tom Gross, and Jobe Shanahan have all impressed early, putting their hands up for Round 1 selection with their undeniable talent.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Harley Reid of the Eagles is tackled by Nick Daicos of the Magpies during the 2024 AFL Round 09 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on May 12, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Players 22 and Under: Bo Allan, Hamish Davis, Jobe Shanahan, Lucca Grego, Malakai Champion, Tom Gross, Archer Reid, Clay Hall, Coen Livingstone, Harley Reid, Harvey Johnston, Loch Rawlinson, Elijah Hewett, Harry Barnett, Noah Long, Reuben Ginbey, Ryan Maric, Tyrell Dewar, Brady Hough, Campbell Chesser, Rhett Bazzo, Jack Williams