There's nothing quite like finals footy.
This time of year offers a chance at immortality and glory for a handful of the competition's best. Perhaps just as importantly, it offers a chance at icon status for a rare few who appear pre-destined for the bright lights.
Every club has players primed to explode in September, we know who to keep an eye on this year, it's one of the joys of the business end of the season, seeing individuals embrace the spotlight and elevate their game.
One of the other joys is seeing a young player come of age and have an impact. The entire point of rebuilds and the draft is to see the next generation flourish, to put a club on their back and inspire their teammates to go the extra mile.
We marvelled at Nick Daicos' impressive finals campaign in his debut season (where he averaged 24.3 disposals and 5 rebound 50's per game) and at Marcus Bontempelli's phenomenal finals series in 2016 where, in just his third year, he dominated the finals, winning a best and fairest in a premiership season.
His team mate Bailey Smith, in just his third year, was immense in 2021, putting together four games of the highest quality, including an unforgettable Semi-Final against the Lions where he had 27 disposals and kicked 3 goals. Slotting the match-winner from deep in the pocket earned him instant icon status, if not that, then his celebration certainly did.
As with every Finals series, this year's provides us plenty of candidates who can shape the fortunes of an entire club. To help narrow down the field, we've opted to go for players who have played under 50 AFL games, yet may just be built for September.
4. GWS - Jake Riccardi
Having spent time in and out of the side over the past few seasons, Jake Riccardi has been impressive in 2023, particularly in the back half of the year as the Giants gathered momentum. While a little older than the other candidates on this list, he has played less than 50 games, which highlights how much he may yet still improve.
Having shown great promise in fits and spurts, yet finding it tough to cement a spot in a star-studded GWS line-up, this season has seen Riccardi find consistency. His strong marking and reliable kicking for goal has provided the perfect foil for Jesse Hogan and Toby Greene.
Riccardi has elevated his game in 2023, kicking 22 goals from his last 10 games, while he taking 47 marks from last his 11 games. He has used his great strengths to become integral to the Giants forward line and been a key part of their run to September.
Having worked his way into this well-balanced Giants side, the chance is there for Riccardi to take his game up yet another gear and stamp himself on this finals series. If he can do more than play his role, the Giants could create mayhem as this year's dark horses.
