Zero Hanger’s top 10 players aged 23 and under

As we cross the halfway mark of season 2019, it's time to have a look at which youngsters are making a name for themselves in our great game. The rankings are based off what these players have brought to the table in their career to date, not necessarily recent form. Here are Zero Hanger's top 10 players aged 23 and under: Jaidyn Stephenson Off the back of winning the Rising Star in 2018, the Collingwood forward has continued his remarkable form in season 2019, kicking 21 goals in 12 games and developing an ability to take over games and become a genuine match winner. [caption id="attachment_30552" align="alignnone" width="740"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Jaidyn Stephenson of the Magpies celebrates kicking a goal during the round 12 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Demmons at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 10, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] Darcy Moore The injury-plagued Moore seems to have gotten his body right and has started to show his true potential that saw him get picked as a top 10 draft pick. The shift to the back-line has been a win-win for the Pies as Moore starts to build his credentials as one of the better defenders in the league. [caption id="attachment_22523" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: Darcy Moore of the Magpies handballs whilst being tackled by Liam Baker of the Tigers during the round 19 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 28, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] Angus Brayshaw Coming third in the 2018 Brownlow Medal really put Brayshaw on everyone's radar and it shouldn't have come as a surprise. The Demon midfielder continues his form as he has averaged 25 touches per game in season 2019 which is highlighted by his elite ability to win it in close and spread effectively from the stoppage. Playing more of an outside role through stages this season, Gus has all the tools to develop into a genuine star when he gets that full-time midfield role many are calling for. [caption id="attachment_21960" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Angus Brayshaw of the Demons kicks the ball from Jackson Macrae of the Bulldogs during the round 17 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 14, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Isaac Heeney The Sydney youngster hasn't experienced his best form so far in 2019, averaging only 20 disposals and kicking 14 goals. But we know what Heeney can bring to the table at his best. In a struggling year for the Swans where he is rumoured to be playing through injuries, Heeney has proven to be relatively consistent and continues to build on what has made a special career so far. [caption id="attachment_28731" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 11: Isaac Heeney of the Swans kicks during the round four AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Melbourne Demons at Sydney Cricket Ground on April 11, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Harris Andrews The key position defender Andrews has started to come into his own at such a young age, including being scouted as a potential leader in the future. He has downed some of the league's biggest names in style and is a massive reason why the Lions surge toward the finals in season 2019. A 2019 All-Australian at this stage. [caption id="attachment_20861" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Harris Andrews of the Lions kicks during the round 12 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Essendon Bombers at The Gabba on June 10, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Zach Merrett The classy left-footer from Windy Hill has consistently proven to be a touch above the rest with his elite ball use and his ability to find teammates. Merrett has had a strong season so far, averaging 29 touches plus six tackles per game and being involved in many of the Bombers' scores. [caption id="attachment_28687" align="alignnone" width="683"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Zach Merrett of the Bombers celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL round 04 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 13, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/Getty Images)[/caption] Tim Taranto The emergence of Taranto as one of the best young players is becoming more and more true as he competes against the best in the game. Adding more minutes in the midfield, Taranto has upped his outputs, resulting in averaging 28 touches a game, along with six tackles as well as seven score involvements, highlighting how important he is to the Giants outfit. [caption id="attachment_19932" align="alignnone" width="1024"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Tim Taranto of the Giants takes a mark during the round four AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Fremantle Dockers at UNSW Canberra Oval on April 14, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Clayton Oliver Melbourne's ball magnet has continued to show why he's already one of the best midfielders in the league. Oliver averages over 30 disposals this season, including 16 of those contested along with six clearances a game. His ability to win the ball in tight and feed it to the Demon runners is second to none and has established himself as a formidable force. [caption id="attachment_28156" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Clayton Oliver of the Demons clears the ball out of the centre during the round two AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] Jordan De Goey The Collingwood match-winner consistently shows fans what he is truly capable of by kicking big goals and changing the outcome games. De Goey has kicked 25 goals so far this season with some of the best defenders playing on him and continues to be a brute force when the ball comes into the forward line. Almost dragging the Pies over the line in the 2018 Grand Final, De Goey is up there as one of the best players in the competition. [caption id="attachment_27967" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Mason Cox of the Magpies (top) and Jordan De Goey of the Magpies celebrate during the 2019 AFL round 01 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)[/caption] Marcus Bontempelli The Bont's came bursting into the AFL scene and has never looked like slowing down. The All-Australian has experienced the ultimate team success, but is looked at as a genuine possibility to take out the Brownlow in future years. The Bulldogs midfielder hasn't had his most damaging year, in large due to the side's need for him to play a multitude of roles, but still continues to perform at an elite level. Arguably a top 10 player in the competition. [caption id="attachment_22826" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal during the round eight AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption]

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	HAW	4	4	0	16	127.4
2	BL	4	4	0	16	119.5
3	GC	3	3	0	12	172.6
4	GWS	4	3	1	12	149
5	ADEL	4	3	1	12	146.6
6	COLL	4	3	1	12	123.4
7	STK	4	3	1	12	112.3
8	GEEL	4	2	2	8	135.7

Zero Hanger’s top 10 players aged 23 and under

Here are our top 10 young AFL players.

10. Jaidyn Stephenson

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