Every draft introduces new young guns to the AFL, but 2020 has been a season like no other.
We've seen a new wave of talent take the AFL by storm, and thus identified the clubs with the best young nucleus moving forward.
Here are the clubs with the best young talent.
It would come as no surprise that Port Adelaide makes the list, with the youngsters helping drive the club to first place on the ladder. Three of Port's young guns have been particularly instrumental to their success and all have the potential be genuine stars.
Zak Butters and Connor Rozee continue to dominate up forward and through the midfield, backing up their impressive rookie seasons.
Midfielder Xavier Duursma is the third musketeer playing under Ken Hinkley. After being primarily used across half back last year, he is taking advantage of more midfield opportunities in 2020.
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Richmond’s midfield is blessed with the likes of Dusty, Cotchin and Presita, but Jack Ross plugs in when required and plays his role. He is a young gun is one to watch.
Shai Bolton brings another dimension to the Tigers midfield, providing spark and flare. Bolton could be anything in this league.
Jack Higgins has the potential to be elite and will likely move into the midfield some day, showing his grit and perseverance despite major setbacks in 2019.
Add the run and chase of defender Sydney Stack to the list, with the electrifying youngster putting his name up for contention for the rising star in 2019. Stack's pressure and pace in the Richmond backline perfectly compliments one of the league's best defences.
Noah Balta has drawn comparisons Alex Rance, and quite frankly just to be in that conversation tells you about his talent.
It's fair to say the Tigers will remain in the premiership window for some time.
The Suns saw their rising star injured at the start of the 2020 football season. Matt Rowell, who has already committed to another contract with the team, showed great influence. The first-year player was the number one pick for the Suns in 2019 and despite being sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, remains a future star.
Gold Coast also grabbed Noah Anderson in the 2019 Draft at pick number two. This youngster adds to the list of those with an extremely bright future. Anderson covers the midfield and forward line and is averaging around 14 disposals and a goal a game.
Young guns Jack Lukosius, Ben King and Izak Rankine also look set to take the competition by storm and round out this rising club's impressive young core.
Son of the West, Rhylee West, comes with a wealth of knowledge following his impressive junior career. The medium forward is averaging 12 disposals a game and six handballs. The bloke knows his way around a footy.
Football runs in this guy’s blood with greats in his family, but Ed Richards is making a name for himself.
Young gun Bailey Smith has made major strides in 2020. The explosive midfielder always manages to find the footy and has proven to be an important cog to the team this season. Averaging over 19 disposals a game and 3 clearances, this guy is a force to be reckoned with.
Throw in Tim English and Aaron Naughton and the Bulldogs have a seriously talented young nucleus.
Number two we have the Brisbane Lions. Led by Hugh McLuggage and Jarrod Berry, the growing group of young cubs flourishing under Chris Fagan is astonishing.
McLuggage has quickly risen to become one of the competitions best pure-wing players with his strength of two-way running and accurate use of the ball by foot.
No.1 overall selection from the 2017 draft Cam Rayner could be a star in the Jordan De Goey/Christian Petracca mould with plenty of room to still improve. Rayner could become an explosive player like no other.
Midfielder Zac Bailey, drafted back in 2017, provides precision, speed and poise. The youngster is averaging over 14 disposals a game and more than 9 kicks.
The Lions love Brandon Starchevic and Noah Answerth and you can understand why - they are reliable and get the job done down back. Alex Witherden has all the tools to be a star too - the 21-year-old is elite in his disposals and efficiency.
What a season it has been for Freo’s rising stars. This team has a young core with an ernormous ceiling to grow under newly appointed coach Justin Longmuir.
Caleb Serong is never far from a football contest and is averaging around 15 disposals a game in his first season as a Docker. The on-baller has caught the eyes of many fans and is one of the favourites for the Rising Star Award.
Midfielders Andrew Brayshaw and Adam Cerra are both enjoying breakout seasons, taking their games to a new level. With Sean Darcy palming down to Serong, Brayshaw and Cerra for the next 10 years, look out!
Hayden Young has shown plenty and Liam henry has drawn comparisons to Cyril Rioli. There is something brewing out west.
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