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.
3. Isaac Kako
The zippy Bombers NGA product is another that arrived via the AFL Draft as a prospect with the potential to have an immediate impact.
Essendon's need for a sharper attacking third and Kako's ability to cause headaches for the opposition on either side of possession are sure to factor heavily come Brad Scott's thinking for Opening Round.
With Matt Guelfi also sidelined for the coming months, the door is well and truly ajar for Kako to play against Gold Coast next month.
"He's excited and ready to go," Bombers list manager Matt Rosa said on draft night.
"He's certainly got some great capabilities. We're looking forward to getting him up and going, because he's an exciting prospect.
2024 Mid-Season Draft addition Saad El-Hawli is another debut chance at Tullamarine, having pushed his case late last year before being struck down by injury.
