Rohan Connolly has named five young and inexperienced players who he believes are set for a breakout season this year.
All of selections made by The Age football journalist have played less than 20 senior AFL games, but who he believes are on the cusp of becoming stars of the game over the next 12 months.
Wayne Milera – Adelaide – 8 games
“I like what I’ve seen of him…I reckon he’s really smart, very poised and a good small forward. He struggled for opportunities in the second half of last year because of Charlie Cameron but Cameron is going to play a fair bit on-ball this season so I reckon Milera is a guy who is going to develop really quickly.”
Click here to view Wayne Milera's SEN Inside Football AFL Player Ratings.
Jade Gresham – St. Kilda – 18 games
“He’s probably the most senior of the guys I’ll mention...He is just so clever. That little sidestep for the goal against Geelong has really stayed with me. He’ll probably spend more time in midfield, I think Richo has suggested that already. Great skills and can be good inside. He’ll just get bigger and stronger and he could go to the next level really quickly.”
Click here to view Jade Gresham's SEN Inside Football AFL Player Ratings.
Aaron Francis – Essendon – 3 games
“This guy has played the fewest games of the lot but Bombers fans will be nodding their heads as soon as they hear his name. A powerful unit and a huge kick. He’s just got that explosive x-factor about him. Anyone who watched him play in the VFL last year will know exactly what I mean. He’s a big boy but he’s lost about five kilos over the pre-season already. He is going to be part of their best 22, no question but not only that, I think he can be a real star for them already in his second season of league footy. He’s super exciting and very versatile too. He can play forward, back and may even go through the middle too. Keep your eyes open on him, he is going to be a star.”
Click here to view Aaron Francis' SEN Inside Football AFL Player Ratings.
Mason Wood – North Melbourne – 17 games
“Really smart forward. Medium size, not really key position. He was really establishing himself last season. He was one of North’s better players in the middle of the season. He got injured – I think he hurt his back – and that pretty much ended his season. I just reckon that if he can get a clear run at it without injury, he is going to step up and be a really important part of the forward line particularly with the likes of Drew Petrie having moved. North fans might agree with me on this one. We haven’t seen nearly the best of him yet and I reckon he will really emerge this season.”
Click here to view Mason Wood's SEN Inside Football AFL Player Ratings.
Sam Menegola – Geelong – 8 games
“He is mature, 24 years old but I reckon Cats fans might agree with this one…Stepped straight into that senior team and just looked like he belonged there straight away. He’s strong, he’s powerful and he’s pretty dangerous near goal. I think he kicked three in the last home-and-away game against Melbourne. A real ball magnet, I think he averaged somewhere near 24 or 25 disposals per game. A couple of changes to the midfield but he’ll step up and fill the hole there I reckon…It’s a no-brainer this one. I’m absolutely convinced he’ll not only be a regular player.”
Click here to view Sam Menegola's SEN Inside Football AFL Player Ratings.