When discussing which teams are closest or furthest from a flag, a key factor is the quality of the youth coming through.
So which teams have the strongest group of players 23 and under in the competition?
Whether they’re players already established at the top level, teenagers still developing or anything in between, this is how your team is shaping up.
Players have to be under 24 as of 12/05/2021 – Dan Houston is ineligible by 24 hours
Defenders: Wayne Milera, Jordon Butts, Fischer McAsey, Will Hamill, Andrew McPherson, Nick Murray
Midfielders: Jackson Hately, Lachlan Sholl, Harry Schoenberg, Sam Berry, Chayce Jones, Mitchell Hinge
Forwards: Riley Thilthorpe, Ned McHenry, Lachlan Murphy, Elliott Himmelberg, James Rowe, Darcy Fogarty, Ben Davis
Rucks: None
Yet to debut: Ronin O’Connor, Josh Worrell, Lachlan Gollant, Luke Pedlar, James Borlase, Brayden Cook, Tariek Newchurch
Analysis: Adelaide is deep into a rebuild and has a few young players to hold onto. Lachie Sholl, Harry Schoenberg, Will Hamill and James Rowe are recent draftees who have made an instant impact, while Riley Thilthorpe is the great hope inside 50. They have quite a few young forwards to build around and the likes of Jordon Butts, Fischer McAsey and Nick Murray as key defenders. Chayce Jones and Darcy Fogarty are first-round picks that have not yet come on.
Defenders: Callum Ah Chee, Brandon Starcevich, Noah Answerth, Jack Payne, Jaxon Prior, James Madden, Harry Sharp
Midfielders: Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry, Zac Bailey, Deven Robertson
Forwards: Eric Hipwood, Cam Rayner, Keidean Coleman, Thomas Berry, Connor Ballenden
Rucks: Tom Fullarton
Yet to debut: Tom Joyce, Deividas Uosis, Ely Smith, Connor McFadyen, Brock Smith, Carter Michael, Blake Coleman, Henry Smith
Analysis: The Lions want for nothing in this age bracket. Eric Hipwood is an established key forward, Hugh McCluggage is a star wingman and Jarrod Berry and Zac Bailey are vital cogs of their midfield. They have a number of impressive youngsters in defence and long-term development projects in Jack Payne, Connor Ballenden and Tom Fullarton. Former number one pick Cam Rayner tore his ACL in the pre-season.
Defenders: Jacob Weitering, Tom Williamson, Luke Parks
Midfielders: Sam Walsh, Will Setterfield, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Paddy Dow, Lochie O’Brien, Liam Stocker, Matt Cottrell, Sam Philp
Forwards: Harry McKay, Jack Silvagni, Zac Fisher, Lachie Fogarty, Josh Honey
Rucks: Tom De Koning
Yet to debut: Sam Ramsay, Brodie Kemp, Connor Durdin, Jack Carroll
Analysis: Carlton has the prospective All-Australian full-back in Jacob Weitering, full-forward in Harry McKay and midfielder in Sam Walsh all in this age bracket, which is a very good start. Jack Silvagni, Zac Fisher and Lachie Fogarty are all also established forwards within the team. The question mark is on the young midfielders who were all top draft picks in Sam Petrevski-Seton, Paddy Dow, Lochie O’Brien, Liam Stocker and Brodie Kemp. The Blues have three diamonds under 24 and will be hoping a few more emerge.
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Defenders: Isaac Quaynor, Nathan Murphy, Mark Keane
Midfielders: Josh Daicos, Brayden Sier, Tyler Brown, Finlay Macrae, Caleb Poulter, Jay Rantall
Forwards: Callum Brown, Will Kelly, Beau McCreery, Trey Ruscoe, Ollie Henry
Rucks: Max Lynch
Yet to debut: Tom Wilson, Anton Tohill, Trent Bianco, Isaac Chugg, Liam McMahon, Reef McInnes, Jack Ginnivan
Analysis: For a team 16th on the ladder, the Magpies are light on stars under the age of 24. Of course, quite a few of them are still teenagers and unknowns like Ollie Henry, Reef McInnes, Beau McCreery, Caleb Poulter and Fin Macrae. Josh Daicos is a star on the rise, Isaac Quaynor has established himself and Will Kelly has shown signs. Beyond that, it’s hard to judge. Nick Daicos will help next year.
Defenders: Jordan Ridley, Aaron Francis, Mason Redman, Matt Guelfi, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Zach Reid
Midfielders: Darcy Parish, Andrew McGrath, Nik Cox, Archie Perkins, Jye Caldwell, Dylan Clarke, Brayden Ham
Forwards: Harrison Jones, Will Snelling, Irving Mosquito, Ned Cahill
Rucks: Sam Draper, Nick Bryan
Yet to debut: Tom Hird, Cian McBride, Lachlan Johnson, Cody Brand, Kaine Baldwin, Josh Eyre
Analysis: Some have hyped Essendon as closer to a flag than a team like Carlton because of the players in this age bracket. Darcy Parish and Andrew McGrath are established midfielders, while Jordan Ridley is already a best and fairest winner. Harry Jones has shown promise as a key forward and then you have the top draft trio of Nik Cox, Archie Perkins and Zach Reid. Cox has shown signs of future stardom, Perkins has been serviceable this year and Reid is dealing with injuries. Sam Draper and Nick Bryan are promising ruckmen of the future. There’s a lot to like, but Carlton’s group is stronger.
Defenders: Hayden Young, Brennan Cox, Griffin Logue, Taylin Duman, Tobe Watson, Heath Chapman
Midfielders: Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra, Caleb Serong, Bailey Banfield, Stefan Giro
Forwards: Lachie Schultz, Mitchell Crowden, Sam Sturt, Liam Henry, Minairo Frederick, Josh Treacy
Ruck: Sean Darcy, Lloyd Meek
Yet to debut: Luke Valente, Leno Thomas, Nathan O’Driscoll, Joel Western, Brandon Walker
Analysis: Fremantle has a trio of midfielders to build around for a decade in Andrew Brayshaw, Adam Cerra and Caleb Serong. Hayden Young has impressed as a half-back flanker with a great kick, while Brennan Cox is an established key defender. Sean Darcy is their starting ruck and Sam Sturt looked promising early before ongoing injury issues. The Dockers must still build depth in this age bracket.
Defenders: Jack Henry, Jordan Clark, Zach Guthrie
Midfielders: Brandan Parfitt, Quinton Narkle, Sam Simpson, Charlie Constable
Forwards: Esava Ratugolea, Gryan Miers, Brad Close, Ben Jarvis, Sam De Koning, Francis Evans, Max Holmes
Rucks: N/A
Yet to debut: Stefan Okunbor, Nathan Kreuger, Oscar Brownless, Cooper Stephens, Cameron Taheny, Nick Stevens, Paul Tasapatolis, Shannon Neale
Analysis: Geelong’s focus is clearly on a different age bracket, but they still have younger contributors across their list. Jack Henry is one of the best young defenders (who can play other roles) in the AFL, while Jordan Clark has a lot of promise. Brandan Parfitt is a key part of the Geelong midfield and the likes of Gryan Miers and Brad Close are solid contributors inside 50. Esava Ratugolea got his chance as the Cats’ starting ruckman against Richmond.
Defenders: Jack Lukosius, Jack Bowes, Charlie Ballard, Wil Powell, Connor Budarick, Caleb Graham, Jy Farrar
Midfielders: Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson, Brayden Fiorini, Will Brodie, Sam Flanders, Jeremy Sharp
Forwards: Ben King, Izak Rankine, Darcy MacPherson, Ben Ainsworth
Rucks: Matt Conroy
Yet to debut: Elijah Hollands, Luke Towey, Patrick Murtagh, Matt Conroy, Jez McLennan, Malcolm Rosas, Hewago Oea, Joel Jeffrey, Alex Davies, Aiden Fyfe, Rhys Nicholls
Analysis: The Suns have had access, via the draft and AFL handouts, to more young players than any team in the competition and quite a few haven’t debuted yet. Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson are developing midfield stars, Ben King is already a performing key forward and the majority of their backline is under the age of 24. Izak Rankine is a prodigious talent yet to put it all together and the likes of Will Brodie, Brayden Fiorini and Darcy Macpherson are stuck in the VFL. Malcolm Rosas is set to debut this weekend.
Defenders: Sam Taylor, Lachlan Ash, Jack Buckley, Connor Idun
Midfielders: Tim Taranto, Tom Green, Harry Perryman, Xavier O’Halloran, Tanner Bruhn
Forwards: Ian Hill, Jake Riccardi, Zach Sproule
Rucks: Matt Flynn
Yet to debut: Jacob Wehr, Kieren Briggs, Callum Brown, Will Shaw, Cameron Fleeton, Ryan Angwin
Analysis: The Giants have a current midfield star in Tim Taranto and a future midfield star in Tom Green in this age bracket. Sam Taylor will lead their backline for a long time, while Harry Perryman is already an established player. Lachie Ash looks smooth across half-back, while Isaac Cumming has had a strong year. Jake Riccardi, Matt Flynn, Jack Buckley and Connor Idun are all promising talls.
Defenders: Will Day, Changkuoth Jiath, Jack Scrimshaw, Damon Greaves
Midfielders: James Worpel, James Cousins, Harry Morrison, Finn Maginness
Forwards: Mitch Lewis, Jacob Koschitzke, Oliver Hanrahan, Emerson Jeka, Conor Nash, Dylan Moore, Tyler Brockman
Rucks: None
Yet to debut: Denver Grainger-Barras, Connor Downie, Lachlan Bramble, Ned Reeves, Harry Pepper, Jack Saunders, Seamus Mitchell
Analysis: There has been a lot of talk about Hawthorn’s youngsters given they sit 17th on the ladder. They have three very raw promising key forwards in Mitchell Lewis, Jacob Koschitzke and Emerson Jeka who will take time, but have all shown good signs despite being taken late in the draft. Changkuoth Jiath has been one of the breakout players of 2021 across half-back and should eventually develop a strong partnership with young gun Will Day and Jack Scrimshaw. They will be hoping top 10 draft pick Denver Grainger-Barras slots in at full-back in the long term.
Defenders: Trent Rivers, Harrison Petty
Midfielders: Clayton Oliver, James Jordon, Tom Sparrow, Oskar Baker
Forwards: Kysaiah Pickett, Sam Weideman, Charlie Spargo, Toby Bedford, Kyle Chandler
Rucks: Luke Jackson
Yet to debut: Aaron Nietschke, Austin Bradtke, Bailey Laurie, Fraser Rosman, Deakyn Smith, Jake Bowey
Analysis: The Dees comparatively have fewer players in this age bracket than a few other teams, but quite a few are contributing at AFL level. It’s easy to forget how young Clayton Oliver is given his output, Kysaiah Pickett and Luke Jackson are having big impacts in their second seasons and Trent Rivers has found a home at half-back. Harrison Petty, Tom Sparrow and Sam Weideman are very handy depth players in a contending side, while Charlie Spargo is getting the job done as a pressure forward.
Defenders: Ben McKay, Aiden Bonar, Lachie Young, Kyron Hayden, Flynn Perez
Midfielders: Jy Simpkin, Jaidyn Stephenson, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Tom Powell Charlie Lazzaro, Will Phillips
Forwards: Nick Larkey, Tarryn Thomas, Cam Zurhaar, Jack Mahony, Bailey Scott, Curtis Taylor, Will Walker, Atu Bosenavulagi
Rucks: Tristan Xerri
Yet to debut: Matthew McGuinness, Charlie Comben, Phoenix Spicer, Patrick Walker, Eddie Ford
Analysis: The majority of North Melbourne’s list sits in this age bracket, which makes sense given they’re at the start of a rebuild. Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar and Tarryn Thomas are young developing forwards the Roos are hoping break out, while Ben McKay has had a great season down back. Jy Simpkin, Jaidyn Stephenson, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tom Powell make up a key core of their current midfield and Will Phillips was taken with pick three in the 2020 National Draft. The Roos need a large chunk of this group to take off in the next few years.
Defenders: Martin Frederick, Joel Garner, Miles Bergman, Lachlan Jones
Midfielders: Xavier Duursma, Zak Butters, Sam Powell-Pepper, Willem Drew
Forwards: Connor Rozee, Todd Marshall, Mitch Georgiades, Kane Farrell, Boyd Woodcock
Rucks: Peter Ladhams
Yet to debut: Sam Hayes, Jackson Mead, Dylan Williams, Jake Pasini, Ollie Lord, Taj Schofield, Trent Burgoyne
Analysis: Port Adelaide’s youth has been central in putting the club into premiership calculations over the last few seasons. First-round trio Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma are the ones in particular who have made a significant difference. Sam Powell-Pepper still has a lot to contribute after returning to the fold, while Todd Marshall has been a slow burn but certainly has the talent to figure in their best forward setup. Add to that Mitch Georgiades who has a very bright future. Scott Lycett’s suspension potentially opens up the door for Sam Hayes, who has been going well in the SANFL, and could now get some chances provided they don’t fall back on Peter Ladhams. Either way, the future of the Power is in very safe hands.
Defenders: Noah Balta, Liam Baker, Rhyan Mansell, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Ryan Garthwaite, Sydney Stack
Midfielders: Shai Bolton, Jack Graham, Jack Ross, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Patrick Naish, Will Martyn, Thomson Dow
Forwards: None (Bolton and Stack can both play forward)
Rucks: Callum Coleman-Jones
Yet to debut: Hugo Ralphsmith, Maurice Rioli Jnr, Samson Ryan, Mate Colina, Noah Cumberland, Ben Miller, Bigoa Nyuon
Analysis: The Tigers have a number of high quality under-24 players who have already been important in the club’s recent premiership success. Shai Bolton (weekend mishap aside) has emerged as one of the most promising young players in the competition and hopefully for Tigers fans, the club can secure him to a new deal as soon as possible. Defender Noah Balta, who can also operate in the ruck and perhaps one day as a forward, is also one of the league’s best young talents. Off the rookie list, Liam Baker is a genuinely reliable AFL footballer, while Jack Graham is an underrated midfielder who has two premiership medallions to his name (as does Bolton and Baker). Sydney Stack, who can play multiple positions, started brightly at AFL level but that has burnt out in the past 18 months. Richmond has a solid group of players 23 and under, some of which are still finding their way. Hugo Ralphsmith will make his senior debut against GWS in Round 9.
Defenders: Hunter Clark, Nick Coffield, Ben Long, Tom Highmore, Ben Paton
Midfielders: Jade Gresham, Jack Bytel, Ryan Byrnes
Forwards: Max King, Josh Battle, Jack Higgins
Rucks: None
Yet to debut: Matthew Allison, Oscar Clavarino, Leo Connolly
Analysis: St Kilda has a very impressive crew of youth, led by the likes of Jade Gresham, Hunter Clark, Max King, Nick Coffield and Josh Battle. Throw in off-season recruit Jack Higgins, the injured Ben Paton, and the tenacious Jack Bytel and there is plenty to like at the Saints. Clark has served his apprenticeship as a half-back flanker and is now beginning to spend more time through the midfield as his rapid development continues. Towering forward Max King is a star of the future. Overall, it’s a pretty strong group of youngsters who are all receiving invaluable experience, but how much talent is underneath them after trading out of the 2020 draft?
Defenders: Tom McCartin, Braeden Campbell, Matthew Ling
Midfielders: Ollie Florent, James Rowbottom, Chad Warner, Justin McInerney, Dylan Stephens, Ryan Clarke
Forwards: Will Hayward, Hayden McLean, Nick Blakey, Errol Gulden, Ben Ronke, Sam Wicks, Logan McDonald, James Bell
Rucks: Joel Amartey
Yet to debut: Will Gould, Malachy Carruthers, Barry O’Connor, Marc Sheather
Analysis: This is a quality list. Many expected the Swans to struggle this year, but their impressive start to the season has largely been down to the form of this lot of players. Ollie Florent and James Rowbottom are fast heading to the next level, Tom McCartin has tied down a key defensive post, and then there is a handful who are all developing together. The likes of Chad Warner, Justin McInerne and Sam Wicks have excelled at times this season while 2020 draftees Errol Gulden, Logan McDonald and Brayden Campbell have all contributed early. Perhaps the Swans would want a bit more out of Nick Blakey but overall they’d be pretty pleased with this lot.
Defenders: Tom Cole, Alex Witherden, Josh Rotham, Harry Edwards, Luke Foley
Midfielders: Jarrod Brander, Brayden Ainsworth, Xavier O’Neill
Forwards: Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman, Jack Petruccelle, Jamaine Jones, Jarrod Cameron, Daniel Venables, Isiah Winder
Rucks: Bailey Williams
Yet to debut: Luke Edwards, Callum Jamieson, Ben Johnson, Zane Trew
Analysis: Already playing regular senior footy for the Eagles are Oscar Allen and Tom Cole (24 later this month), but this year there has been greater opportunities for others. With West Coast’s injury woes has come chances for Josh Rotham, who has worked his way into the 22, while Jarrod Brander is emerging, Jamaine Jones is gaining invaluable minutes and off-season recruit Alex Witherden has found a niche. There are some others including Jake Waterman, Jack Petruccelle and Brayden Ainsworth who have shown they are capable at the level but just need some continuity. It’s a decent flock of youth who really need to begin stepping up with a number of key Eagles heading towards the end of their glittering careers.
Defenders: Bailey Williams, Ryan Gardner, Lewis Young, Buku Khamis, Louis Butler
Midfielders: Bailey Smith, Patrick Lipinski, Ed Richards
Forwards: Aaron Naughton, Josh Schache, Laitham Vandermeer, Rhylee West, Lachlan McNeil, Cody Weightman
Rucks: Tim English, Jordon Sweet
Yet to debut: Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Dominic Bedendo, Riley Garcia
Analysis: A handful of this group, including Aaron Naughton, Bailey Smith, Tim English and Bailey Williams, are all firmly inside the Bulldogs’ best 22. The likes of Pat Lipinski, Laitham Vandermeer, Ryan Gardner and Rhylee West are in and out of the side while the jury is still out on a few of the others within the Dogs’ 23 and under category. There’s enough to like at the pointy end with a handful of youngsters who will take the club forward, but there is a bit of development to come underneath. It appears a patient approach with no.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan but if he hits the heights expected, then it further strengthens this more than handy group.