Sydney, GWS, Port Adelaide and Fremantle are set to unearth three of their young stars for the upcoming clashes this weekend.
The Power (Logan Evans), Swans (Caiden Cleary), Giants (Max Gurzewski) and Dockers (Hugh Davies) were all recruited to their respective clubs in the past 18 months and will be living out their lifelong dream.
SEE MORE: Round 15 Teams
Logan Evans - who is listed as a speedy defender - was taken in the most recent Mid-Season Draft with Pick 12 after staying connected with Port Adelaide through the SANFL Rookie Program.
Inside the team meeting of Logan's debut announcement 👀 pic.twitter.com/JFv85Khw9S
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) June 20, 2024
Despite being overlooked in the 2023 National Draft, Evans impressed with his speed and lead in the draft combine, while also catching recruiters' eye for his ability to read the ball and compete aerially.
Recruited from Norwood in the SANFL, the 18-year-old is also clean with his hands and ball use and will slot into the backline as a medium-sized defender when the Power take on the Lions.
Making childhood dreams become reality...
And how about the reaction from the boys?!#Bloods pic.twitter.com/9RhHmdryTR
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) June 20, 2024
Ironically, Sydney's Caiden Cleary was not overlooked in last year's draft, taken with Pick 24 as a graduate from the QBE club Academy.
Following multiple strong performances in the VFL (averaging 22 disposals, 3.9 marks and 3.7 marks in 2024), Cleary has made an immediate impression on his club and will be thrown in the deep end for the upcoming Sydney Derby on Saturday.
The 19-year-old has predominantly played midfield, showcasing his relentless work ethic, which is something coach John Longmire has been impressed with.
"From the moment he turned up at our footy club, he's been a massive competitor and competes at a really high level all the time," Longmire said.
"He's a great runner and has played a number of different roles for us. He came into the squad as an inside-mid but he's been playing a number of different roles - he's really disciplined and it's great to see him have his opportunity."
Debuting in the same game will be GWS young forward Max Gruzewski after kicking 22 goals from 10 outings in the VFL.
Gruzewski was originally selected with Pick 22 in the 2022 National Draft and has been a strong presence for the Giants reserves.
The 192cm forward was rewarded for his efforts and will be the club's third debutant this season, following the likes of Harvey Thomas and Darcy Jones.
“I don't really know how to say what I'm feeling right now,” Gruzewski said after hearing the news.
Gru to debut!
Max Gruzewski will make his AFL debut in Sydney Derby XXVIII 📲 https://t.co/Itl6CNZsxr pic.twitter.com/G3f7brZ3Cr
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) June 20, 2024
“It's a pretty crazy feeling and I don't think it will sink in for a while until I probably run out there on the weekend.”
To wrap up the round, Fremantle will unveil Hugh Davies for their clash with Gold Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Davies was taken with Pick 33 in the 2022 National Draft and has been a key feature in Peel's (WAFL affiliate) defence, playing 28 games.
The key defender signed a contract extension at the end of last year, penning a two-year deal to keep him at the club until the end of 2026.
🚨 HUGH-GE NEWS 🚨
Hugh Davies will make his AFL debut for the Club this weekend 💜#foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/95Tn91JYtU
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) June 20, 2024
Davies will replace omitted defender Joshua Draper in the side.
