The 2025 season is nearly underway, and a suite of youngsters are set to make their case for the AFL Rising Star award after what is regarded as one of the deepest draft pools in AFL history.

Meanwhile, a few overage talents are predicted to blossom in their second seasons at AFL level, making this year's Rising Star contest as competitive as ever.

Quickly, a refresher on the criteria to be eligible for the award.

  • Players must be under the age of 21 as of January 1, 2025.
  • Players can only have played 10 AFL games or less in previous seasons.
  • Players must not be suspended at AFL or state-league level during the season.

Last year, second-year Cat Ollie Dempsey took home the award, albeit thanks to in-season suspensions to Harley Reid and Sam Darcy, who were tipped to claim the award over the Geelong forward.

But in a stacked crop of talent, this year's race is anyone's for the taking. Here is Zero Hanger's verdict on the top contenders for this year's Rising Star award.

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1. Outside chances

While we've compiled the 10 best chances at taking out the award, there are a couple of other names of note that could usurp their draft-class counterparts or breakout after a year or two of development in the system.

Leo Lombard looked destined to make an immediate impact, coming into the league with a sizeable frame and years of experience against men after playing VFL games at just 16 years old for the Suns. The 2024 Pick 9 was a part of the Suns' 2023 VFL premiership team, even kicking a goal on the day.

However, a long-term shoulder injury may see Lombard playing catch-up to other youngsters who get a healthy season under their belt, meaning even if the academy graduate earns a nomination later in the season, he may not have the runs on the board to compete against the rest.

Gold Coast Suns Training Session
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 20: Leo Lombard during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session on January 20, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Another outside chance is Connor O'Sullivan at Geelong, a young key defender who has been praised for his development this pre-season. With just one career game to his tally, O'Sullivan is expected to skyrocket in 2025.

However, the last time a key defender won the award was Daniel Talia in 2012, leaving the 19-year-old a long shot to claim the silverware. That being said, tall key positional players have won the prize before, with Luke Jackson winning in 2021 and Jesse Hogan in 2015.

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