With pre-season chatter comes selection watch, with AFL fans keen to see who could be locking down starting spots at their best clubs for the season ahead.
Discussions over potential debutants play their part in the intrigue, with each hoping to uncover an uncapped player who can have an impact in 2025.
A total of 76 players made their AFL debuts in 2024, and with the number of options yet to get a look at the top level ahead of the coming campaign, that figure could be beaten in 2025.
Here we list every player yet to make their AFL debut and name the players most likely to play their maiden match this year.
Carlton
Rookies:ย Jagga Smith, Ben Camporeale, Lucas Camporeale, Harry O'Farrell, Matt Duffy, Harry Charleson
Still waiting:ย Hudson O'Keeffe, Billy Wilson, Rob Monahan, Harry Lemmey
Most likely to debut in 2025: Carlton's Pick 3 selection, Jagga Smith, should be right in the conversation for a spot to face Richmond come Round 1, with the Blues to look toward their midfield depth. Smith was comfortable across a trio of VFL games for Richmond last year and should get an early look at the AFL in 2025. Young running defender Billy Wilson is another who would be in the selection frame, especially given Nic Newman's season-ending knee injury.
