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.
1. North Melbourne
It's hard to argue that any young core in the AFL can top North Melbourne's.
At the forefront are Harry Sheezel and Colby McKercher, two players who have absolute superstar potential written all over them. Supporting them are George Wardlaw and Jackson Archer, both of whom, if everything goes right, have the talent to be among the league's elite.
In the forward line, Zane Duursma and Paul Curtis are set to be key pillars for years to come, providing excitement and firepower.
The additions of Finn O'Sullivan and Matt Whitlock have only strengthened an already stacked young core, making North's future even brighter.
If this group continues to elevate their game, we could see some silverware making its way to Arden Street in the coming years.
Players 22 and Under: Finn O'Sullivan, Luke Urquhart, Matt Whitlock, River Stevens, Colby McKercher, Geordie Payne, Riley Hardeman, Taylor Goad, Wil Dawson, Zane Duursma, Brayden George, Cooper Harvey, George Wardlaw, Harry Sheezel, Jacob Konstanty, Robert Hansen Jr, Finnbar Maley, Jackson Archer, Josh Goater, Miller Bergman, Paul Curtis
