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. 

2. Hawthorn

Hawthorn's young core is built around a strong group of early 20s talent, setting them up for a bright future.

Leading the way is one of the most exciting and polarising small forwards in the competition, Nick Watson, who, alongside rising key forward Calsher Dear, gives the Hawks a forward line ready to dominate for years to come.

Massimo D'Ambrosio was one of the biggest breakout stories of 2024, thriving as a 'real' winger after a change of scenery and narrowly missing out on the All-Australian squad, momentum he'll look to carry into 2025.

Meanwhile, young guns Josh Weddle and Connor MacDonald played key roles in the high-energy 'Hokball' style that took the AFL by storm last season.

Adding further depth, Cam McKenzie, Josh Ward, and Henry Hustwaite are developing into key midfield contributors, making it difficult to leave them out of the best 22 as the Hawks' young talent continues to rise.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16 Massimo D'Ambrosio of the Hawks mark during the round one AFL match between Essendon Bombers and Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 16, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Players 22 and Under: Cody Anderson, Noah Mraz, Bodie Ryan, Calsher Dear, Nick Watson, Will McCabe, Bailey MacDonald, Cameron Mackenzie, Henry Hustwaite, Jasper Scaife, Josh Weddle, Matt Hill, Connor MacDonald, Jai Serong, Jaime Uhr-Henry, Josh Ward, Massimo D'Ambrosio, Max Ramsden, Sam Butler