The class of emerging future stars was evident in 2021, with a host of young names breaking onto the AFL stage and showing plenty of promise for the roads ahead.
Looking at players to have made their debut this season, we list the 10 players to have had the strongest campaigns after finally breaking through to the top flight.
10. Tom Highmore (St Kilda)
Debut: Round 1 vs Greater Western Sydney
Games: 13
A late bloomer this year, Highmore played just one of the first eight games of the year before cementing his place in defence at Moorabbin.
A 13-mark, 22-disposal effort against Adelaide was a highlight for the versatile backman, who landed fight place in the Best First-Year Player Award voting.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Highmore is sure to fill a widening void for the Saints in the years to come following the departures of Jake Carlisle, James Frawley and Dylan Roberton.
