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.

2. Jagga Smith

The Blues' Pick 3 selection has seemingly provided what was promised over the pre-season, offering immediate selection competition for the club's incumbents.

Smith was viewed as one of the more ready-made prospects from last year's class, having managed a mean of 27.3 disposals, 6.3 clearances and 4.7 score involvements from a trio of games for Richmond's VFL unit last year.

A Round 1 debut against the Tigers' senior side in mid-March has been the goal for Smith over the summer, with the teenager impressing his new teammates and coaches quickly.

"It's definitely an aim," he told media last month.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 20: Jagga Smith of the Blues poses for a photograph during the 2024 AFL Draft at Marvel Stadium on November 20, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

"I'll try and put my best foot forward for the coaches and try and impact for the team. At the moment I'm just focussing on taking it day by day.

"That's obviously a goal, but we'll see what happens."