With the 2019 AFL Draft in the books, we've seen clubs hedge their bets on the next crop of football superstars, with the hope that they can make an instant impact on their side's performances.
In the past few years, we have seen so many talented youngsters make a splash just a couple seasons into their AFL careers and become bonafide superstars.
Here isย Zero Hanger's top 10 players aged 22 and under heading into the 2020 season.
6. James Worpel
When James Worpel was crowned Hawthorn's best first-year player in 2018, they knew he was destined for stardom but maybe they didn't expect him to reach it so quickly. In 2019 he led the club in disposals with 26.6 per game and was a commanding force at stoppages, finishing fifth in the league for clearance stoppages.
The "Worpedo" was dominant in midfield, tallying 30+ disposals on six occasions throughout the year and leading the Hawks in contested possessions with 12 per game. Following his breakout year, Worpel was rewarded with the club's best-and-fairest award, the youngest Hawk to win it since Leigh Matthews in 1971. With Tom Mitchell set to return and Worpel continues to develop his game, Hawthorn's midfield could be one of the league's toughest in 2020.
