AFL action officially returns this weekend, with fans keen to see some fresh faces press their case for senior spots by summer's end.
Opening Round and Round 1 are set to see debuts made across the competition, with 15 players featuring in their maiden matches across the opening two weeks of the 2024 season.
Several clubs have already been impressed by draftees or second-year assets, with some debut hopefuls beginning to stand out amongst the rest of the pack.
Here we name six of the best debut chances for the early stages of the 2025 season.
1. Joe Berry
The Power small forward has continued to earn the praise of his teammates and onlookers in his first pre-season at Alberton, with the cunning and crafty front-half threat able to fill a hole in Ken Hinkley's side to start the new season.
The Power addressed a need for more attacking output, with Berry and former Collingwood speedster Joe Richards landing at the club from Victoria over the off-season.
Both could slot straight into starting roles for the Power's Round 1 clash against the Magpies, with Berry turning heads as a high half-forward who uses the ball efficiently.
"Joe Berry in particular is a guy who, in my mind, will play straight up,โ Port Adelaide assistant Chad Cornes said last month, per News Corp.
"He's a really smart half-forward who's got great running ability and uses the ball well."
Berry will likely get a large look at top-flight football next Friday when the Power suit up against Adelaide at Mt Barker for their first hitout of the pre-season.
