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.
7. Riley Thilthorpe (Adelaide)
Debut: Round 6 vs Hawthorn
Games: 14
The Crows' top selection had a debut like no other, booting five goals in a thrilling three-point loss to the Hawks, where the aforementioned Koschitzke claimed best afield honours with five goals of his own.
While his first senior game will be one to remember, Thilthorpe's match-winning performance against the Saints in Round 13 will perhaps be the game he will cherish most from this year.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Booting three goals - including an impressive shot overhead to win - Thilthorpe was a headache for St Kilda and looks to be a monumental threat to opposition defenders in the future.
