Five weeks into the 2021 AFL season, there have been plenty of unexpected storylines.

A number of teams that struggled during a COVID interrupted 2020 season have bounced back in spectacular fashion, whilst others have dropped in dramatic fashion.

Teams like Sydney and Adelaide have started the season in unexpected fashion, jumping the gun early with strong starts to the season. A heavy contrast compared to previous seasons, the young sides are showing plenty of upside and promise for success now and in the future.

This is heavily in contrast to sides with older lists. The likes of St Kilda, who have the oldest list in the competition, are struggling hugely with the new free flowing style of the game. With heavy losses to the reigning premiers Richmond (84 points) and young Bombers (75 points), the Saints find themselves 2-3 with a miserable 71.4% percentage.

It is starting to become apparent that the implementation of the new standing on the mark and interchange rules has made the game quicker, potentially suiting the younger, quicker players.

As such, we've highlighted the most promising young lists in the competition, emphasising that we aren't necessarily predicting these teams will be successful, but simply stating that they possess the best young talent.

2. Port Adelaideย 

One of the best teams in the competition don't look like they will be slowing down any time soon. Despite being in the middle of the pack in regards to average age of 24.5 years, the Power have one of the scariest cast of young talent in the AFL, with multiple successful drafts and trade periods leading to perfect mix of young and old.

Port Adelaide's 2018 draft haul was one of the most impressive results for a club in recent memory. Jason Cripps and the Port recruitment team had a field day picking Connor Rozee (Pick 5), Zak Butters (Pick 12) and Xavier Duursma (Pick 18), in a haul that looks to set Port Adelaide for another decade of success.

Connor Rozee's debut season was nothing short of incredible. Runner-up in the AFL Rising Star, 22 under 22 team selection, Port's leading goal-kicker and Gavin Wanganeen Medal winner has seen Rozee stamp his mark on the game from minute one.

Playing predominantly forward, Rozee has shown promise with stints in the middle that look to increase as he develops towards his prime. Fighting a minor thigh injury during Port's 2 point win against the Tigers in Round 4, Rozee showed grit and determination to stay on the ground and boot two vital goals. This illustration of commitment to his team is why Port are in good hands for the future.

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Xavier Duursma has a lot of strings to bow with elite running and the ability to sneak forward and kick goals becoming a true staple of his game. Along with the bow and arrow celebration, Duursma displayed a willingness to put his body on the line time and time again for his team, showing off his ability to evolve his game as he bulks into a bigger body. After receiving the famous No. 7 jersey from club legend Brad Ebert, Duursma has gone about his business collecting 22 disposals over his last three games, impacting both sides of the ground.

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Once overshadowed by his fellow draftees Rozee and Duursma throughout his debut season, Zak Butters has started to exceeded expectations and looks to be one of the 2018 drafts biggest steals. 2020 saw the young gun display the silkiest of skills with the footy, whilst also showcasing his need for the tough stuff.

At 19 years of age his 2020 season saw him selected in the All Australian squad of 40, a reflection of the huge leap he made in his game in his second season at AFL level. The 2021 season looks to be more of the same for Butters, with a huge 36 disposal, 6 clearance and 6 tackle outing against the Bombers in Round 2 highlighting the out of this world talent Port have.

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A player that looks to be an up and coming leader at Port Adelaide is the running defender Dan Houston. With the ability to fit into any position on the field, Houston has been currently applying his craft in the backline accumulating 22.2 disposals and 417.8 metres gained per game. Houston is set to be an integral part of Port's plans, with the defender being given more on ball duties the will most likely lead to a permanent spot in the engine room in the coming seasons.

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Despite looking like a 30 year old MMA fighter, Sam Powell-Pepper is only 23 years of age. Starting his career in the middle of the ground, SPP has now added forward craft to his arsenal using his explosive attack and high tenacity around the football to become a devastating pressure player.

Playing every game in 2020, Powell-Pepper signed a three year contract to extend his stay at Port, looking to be a big part of their plans for the future years. SPP has yet to get his 2021 season in motion after being granted personal leave to focus on his mental health whilst recovering on a hand injury.

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The list of young talent for Port Adelaide goes on and on. Mitch Georgiades looks to be growing in his role in the forward line. A three-goal effort for the 19-year-old against Carlton earning him a Rising Star nomination. Todd Marshall also has huge upside, providing another lethal tall target forward that sees him grab 6.3 marks a game in 2021.

With one of the most lethal mullet/moustache combination to grace the field, the 19-year-old Lachlan Jones looks and plays beyond his years. His attack of the footy and ability to rebound out of the backline saw him standout amongst the heavyweights in his debut against the Tigers in Round 4. Miles Berman, Boyd Woodcock, and Peter Ladhams also provide value to a Port Adelaide side that are competing for a flag now and for the indefinite future.