Ranking which clubs have the best crop of players aged 22 or under

17. Fremantle

The Dockers have one of the most promising lists in the competition, but many of their best young talents have graduated from this age bracket. Murphy Reid won the Rising Star award in an excellent first season last year, twice kicking four goals and using his football smarts to become an immediate contributor in attack. Key defender Josh Draper bounced between the AFL and WAFL in 2025, but has potential. The rest of this crop have little exposure at the top level or are yet to debut, including their newest first-round selection, Essendon next-generation academy product Adam Sweid.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Reid.

Fremantle’s 22-and-unders (13 players)

Jaren Carr, Hugh Davies, Josh Draper, Leon Kickett, Ryda Luke, Ollie Murphy, Tobyn Murray, Charlie Nicholls, Murphy Reid, Aiden Riddle, Cooper Simpson, Adam Sweid, Toby Whan.

16. Port Adelaide

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The Power caused a stir when they became the first club not to make a pick in the draft in November. But Port Adelaide did select three players in last year’s mid-season draft, including 202-centimetre defender Harrison Ramm, who turned 19 in December. They have the rights to this year’s No.1 pick-elect Dougie Cochrane, whose older brother Tom is already on the Power’s list. Port looked for value in the draft in recent years with sliders such as Jack Whitlock, Christian Moraes and Will Lorenz – all of whom look decent prospects – while Logan Evans has been a handy addition from the 2024 mid-season draft. However, the Power’s best prospect could be skilful and speedy forward Joe Berry, a first-round selection two drafts ago.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Berry, Whitlock.

Port Adelaide’s 22-and-unders (12 players)

Tom Anastasopoulos, Benny Barrett, Joe Berry, Tom Cochrane, Logan Evans, Josh Lai, Will Lorenz, Christian Moraes, Jacob Moss, Harrison Ramm, Xavier Walsh, Jack Whitlock.

15. Sydney

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This year will be revealing for the Swans’ emerging crop, including players such as Ned Bowman, Caiden Cleary and Jesse Dattoli, who were all picked in the 20s. Ball magnet Cleary has shown the most, and could push for more midfield time. Developing ruckman Will Green, a No.16 selection, is entering his third season, while academy graduates Harry Kyle, Max King and Noah Chamberlain are fresh additions. Kyle has been likened to Giants star Finn Callaghan, while King is a great athlete. Small forward Tom Hanily was a surprise contributor last season after being a mid-season draftee the previous year.

Already a star: None. Star upside: King, Kyle.

Sydney Swans’ 22-and-unders (12 players)

Riak Andrew, Ned Bowman, Noah Chamberlain, Caiden Cleary, Jesse Dattoli, Will Green, Tom Hanily, Liam Hetherton, Max King, Harry Kyle, Jevan Phillipou, Patrick Snell.

14. Geelong

The Cats grabbed Connor O’Sullivan with the No.11 pick in 2023, and soon figured out they had a key defensive post filled for the foreseeable future. He played 25 games last year, averaging 2.2 intercept marks while developing as a one-on-one defender. Jhye Clark had to be patient after being a top-10 selection, and his opportunities have mostly come down back, but he could earn midfield minutes. New draftee Harley Barker is recovering from an ACL rupture, but has the tools to be a bargain. The rest are largely unproven, including developing ruckmen Mitch Edwards and Joe Pike and forward-ruck Jacob Molier.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Barker, O’Sullivan.

Geelong’s 22-and-unders (13 players)

Harley Barker, Jhye Clark, Nick Driscoll, Mitch Edwards, Lennox Hofmann, Hunter Holmes, Keighton Matofai-Forbes, Jesse Mellor, Jacob Molier, Connor O’Sullivan, Joe Pike, Jay Polkinghorne, George Stevens.

13. Carlton

Prized midfielder Jagga Smith and new father-son defender Harry Dean are the headline acts here, secured with top-five selections at the past two drafts. Smith missed his entire first season due to a pre-season ACL rupture, but will be unleashed this year and is a top Rising Star contender. Dean should develop into a high-quality intercepting sidekick for Jacob Weitering. Ollie Hollands and Lachie Cowan are already good contributors with upside, while Ashton Moir has shown glimpses. Cooper Lord was a nice mid-season draft find two years ago, and tall defender Harry O’Farrell looked promising before suffering an ACL rupture.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Dean, Smith.

Carlton’s 22-and-unders (17 players)

Talor Byrne, Ben Camporeale, Lucas Camporeale, Matt Carroll, Harry Charleson, Lachie Cowan, Harry Dean, Matt Duffy, Ollie Hollands, Jack Ison, Cooper Lord, Ashton Moir, Rob Monahan, Harry O’Farrell, Hudson O’Keeffe, Jagga Smith, Billy Wilson.

12. Western Bulldogs

Jordan Croft’s two-game AFL sample was enough to suggest the giant son of ex-Bulldog Matt will add aerial firepower to the Bulldogs’ attack. Ryley Sanders is an impressive midfield prospect who has the ability to become a key cog, while Joel Freijah finished top 10 in last year’s club champion award and will be a priority re-signing. Two more first-rounders, Jedd Busslinger and Cooper Hynes, will try to take the next step this year, while defender Lachy Carmichael and athletic tall Louis Emmett were selected in the 20s in last year’s draft. The newest Darcy – Sam’s younger brother Will – will take time.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Croft, Freijah, Sanders.

Western Bulldogs’ 22-and-unders

Jedd Busslinger, Lachy Carmichael, Jordan Croft, Will Darcy, Josh Dolan, Louis Emmett, Joel Freijah, Cooper Hynes, Lachie Jaques, Luke Kennedy, Ryley Sanders, Lachie Smith, Zac Walker.

11. Adelaide

Riley Thilthorpe, Jake Soligo and Josh Rachele don’t make the cut under this age criteria, which hurts the Crows’ ranking – but they still have a promising group. Daniel Curtin enjoyed a breakout second season to finish runner-up in the Rising Star award and looks a serious talent, while defender Max Michalanney (who played 21 or more games in each of his first three seasons) and midfielder Sid Draper also loom as major players in the future. Behind those three first-round selections are a group of untried or lightly played talent – Hugh Bond and Billy Dowling have 22 appearances between them – who Adelaide will hope takes a step forward.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Curtin, Draper, Marsh, Michalanney.

Adelaide’s 22-and-unders (10 players)

Hugh Bond, Daniel Curtin, Billy Dowling, Sid Draper, Charlie Edwards, Mitch Marsh, Max Michalanney, Archie Ludowyke, Oscar Ryan, Tyler Welsh.

10. Essendon

Caddy might not be a supersized key forward, but is athletic, flies fearlessly for marks and has three games with three goals, so a breakout third season would not be a surprise. Roberts was runner-up in the Bombers’ club champion award last year, and it will be interesting to see if he stays in defence – but Essendon must be thrilled with his progress. Isaac Kako played every match in his debut season and finished strongly, while the Bombers drafted three players – Sullivan Robey, Jacob Farrow and Dyson Sharp – in the first round in November. The jury is still out on Elijah Tsatas’ kicking, but he has no trouble finding the Sherrin.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Caddy, Kako, Roberts, Robey, Farrow, Sharp.

Essendon’s 22-and-unders (17 players)

Nate Caddy, Angus Clarke, Archer Day-Wicks, Hussien El Achkar, Jacob Farrow, Kayle Gerreyn, Lewis Hayes, Zak Johnson, Isaac Kako, Max Kondogiannis, Archie May, Jayden Nguyen, Archie Roberts, Sullivan Robey, Elijah Tsatas, Rhys Unwin, Vigo Visentini.

9. Melbourne

The Demons have a strong drafting record, and that is hugely important under new coach Steven King as they regenerate again, only five years after their drought-busting premiership. Midfielders Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay and Caleb Windsor look the jewels in the crown, but the incoming group, which Xavier Taylor and Latrelle Pickett – cousin of Kysaiah – headline, looks promising, too. Melbourne have been patient with tall forward Matt Jefferson, while part of their willingness to shop veteran Steven May was because they are pleased with key defender Jed Adams’ development. Does Koltyn Tholstrup have another gear?

Already a star: None. Star upside: Langford, Lindsay, Pickett, Taylor, Windsor.

Melbourne’s 22-and-unders (13 players)

Jed Adams, Matt Jefferson, Luker Kentfield, Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay, Tom Matthews, Ricky Mentha, Riley Onley, Latrelle Pickett, Xavier Taylor, Koltyn Tholstrup, Kalani White, Caleb Windsor.

8. St Kilda

There is genuine upside and depth in the Saints’ 22-and-under group, with particular excitement about first-round selections Mattaes Phillipou, Alix Tauru, Tobie Travaglia and Darcy Wilson. Midfielder Hugo Garcia also broke through for 17 senior games last season and looks to have a promising future, while forwards Isaac Keeler and Lance Collard, onballer Hugo Boxshall, defender Angus Hastie and ruckman Alex Dodson also already have AFL exposure. Dodson will bide his time behind Rowan Marshall and recruit Tom De Koning. Another tall backman, James Barrat, spent his debut season in the VFL, but could emerge in 2026.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Phillipou, Tauru, Travaglia, Wilson.

St Kilda’s 22-and-unders (15 players)

Eamonn Armstrong, Charlie Banfield, James Barrat, Hugh Boxshall, Lance Collard, Alex Dodson, Kye Fincher, Hugo Garcia, Angus Hastie, Isaac Keeler, Mattaes Phillipou, Patrick Said, Alix Tauru, Tobie Travaglia, Darcy Wilson.

7. GWS Giants

The Giants are reloading on the run, with a high number of players in this age bracket, including 2022 No.1 pick Aaron Cadman, who just kicked a career-high 44 goals – the 13th-most in the AFL last year. They love picking fast and athletic types, including the likes of Cody Angove, Phoenix Gothard, Ollie Hannaford, Joe Fonti, Oskar Taylor and Finn Davis. Intercepting threat James Leake has settled in defence for GWS but can also make his mark in attack, while Darcy Jones is a quality small forward but is recovering from a second ACL rupture. Midfielder Harry Rowston looks primed to take another step. There is untapped potential here.

Already a star: Cadman. Star upside: Angove, Gothard, Leake.

GWS Giants’ 22-and-unders (20 players)

Cody Angove, Aaron Cadman, Finn Davis, Josaia Delana, Joe Fonti, Phoenix Gothard, Max Gruzewski, Riley Hamilton, Ollie Hannaford, Darcy Jones, James Leake, Nick Madden, Toby McMullin, Harry Oliver, Jack Ough, Harry Rowston, Logan Smith, Oskar Taylor, Harvey Thomas, Nathan Wardius.

6. Hawthorn

There is a reason Essendon presented emerging Hawk Josh Weddle with a seven-year deal worth about $10 million. Weddle is an outstanding runner and overall athlete who takes rivals on and can impact the game in various positions. On profile, goalsneak Nick Watson is already a star – and his on-field performances are pretty strong, too, including big-time finals efforts. Cam Mackenzie and Calsher Dear have also shown their value, while Hawthorn have several other intriguing key-position talent, such as Will McCabe, Noah Mraz and new addition Aidan Schubert. Cameron Nairn could be a serious player as well.

Already a star: Watson, Weddle. Star upside: Dear, Mackenzie.

Hawthorn’s 22-and-unders (16 players)

Cody Anderson, Jack Dalton, Calsher Dear, Ollie Greeves, Matt Hill, Henry Hustwaite, Matt LeRay, Bailey Macdonald, Cam Mackenzie, Will McCabe, Cameron Nairn, Noah Mraz, Bodie Ryan, Aidan Schubert, Nick Watson, Josh Weddle.

5. Richmond

The Tigers are in the early stages of rebuilding, but there is reason to be bullish. After the exits of some experienced stars, they picked seven players in the top 30 of the 2024 draft, including powerhouse No.1 selection Sam Lalor. Richmond also selected a bunch of talls, from Jonty Faull to Luke Trainor, Harry Armstrong and Tom Sims – and all are promising. Taj Hotton flashed his potential late last year, while top-10 pick Josh Smillie has battled injuries. The Tigers went for speed and dynamism in the 2025 draft, with Sam Cumming and Sam Grlj leading their haul. Seth Campbell had a breakout 28-goal season last year.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Armstrong, Cumming, Faull, Grlj, Hotton, Lalor.

Richmond’s 22-and-unders (18 players)

Jasper Alger, Harry Armstrong, Seth Campbell, Sam Cumming, Jonty Faull, Liam Fawcett, Steely Green, Sam Grlj, Taj Hotton, Sam Lalor, Kane McAuliffe, Zane Peucker, Patrick Retschko, Noah Roberts-Thomson, Tom Sims, Josh Smillie, Kaleb Smith, Luke Trainor.

4. West Coast

No club has more players in this age bracket than the Eagles, who twice had the No.1 pick in the past three years, selecting Harley Reid (2023) then Willem Duursma (2025). Those two are key pieces of a brighter future that West Coast hope is closer than others believe. Reid is already one of the AFL’s best young players and is poised for a big third season. Other first-rounders in the Eagles’ nest are Bo Allan, Cooper Duff-Tytler, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett and Josh Lindsay. They have gone local where possible and invested heavily in the midfield. Tall forward Jobe Shanahan also looks a fine prospect.

Already a star: Harley Reid. Star upside: Allan, Duff-Tytler, Duursma, Ginbey, Hewett.

West Coast’s 22-and-unders (23 players)

Bo Allan, Sam Allen, Harry Barnett, Malakai Champion, Hamish Davis, Tyrell Dewar, Cooper Duff-Tytler, Willem Duursma, Reuben Ginbey, Lucca Grego, Tom Gross, Clay Hall, Elijah Hewett, Harvey Johnston, Josh Lindsay, Noah Long, Ryan Maric, Jacob Newton, Archer Reid, Harley Reid, Fred Rodriguez, Jobe Shanahan, Tylah Williams.

3. North Melbourne

The Kangaroos remain in a rebuild, but have a nice collection of young talent. Harry Sheezel is already a dual club champion at age 21, and impacts the game in various positions. North drafted many midfielders with early picks, including George Wardlaw, Colby McKercher and Finn O’Sullivan, but diversified in recent years with Zane Duursma, Matt Whitlock and Lachy Dovaston. They also finally addressed their key defensive needs with Wil Dawson and Blake Thredgold, while swingman Whitlock might be part of that solution, too. Key forward Cooper Trembath also looks a mid-season draft gem.

Already a star: Sheezel. Star upside: Dovaston, Duursma, McKercher, O’Sullivan, Wardlaw, Whitlock.

North Melbourne’s 22-and-unders (19 players)

Wil Dawson, Lachy Dovaston, Zane Duursma, Brayden George, Taylor Goad, Robert Hansen, Riley Hardeman, Cooper Harvey, Jacob Konstanty, Colby McKercher, Hugo Mikunda, Finn O’Sullivan, Harry Sheezel, Blake Thredgold, Cooper Trembath, Luke Urquhart, River Stevens, George Wardlaw, Matt Whitlock.

2. Gold Coast

This is a scary group for the Suns’ rivals. There are 10 first-round selections among them, headlined by hulking key forward Jed Walter, forward-midfielder Bailey Humphrey, top-five draftees Zeke Uwland and Dylan Patterson, plus unicorn big man Ethan Read. Victorian clubs are trying to lure Humphrey back to his home state. There is every chance the other five first-rounders – Beau Addinsall, Will Graham, Leo Lombard, Jai Murray and Jake Rogers – emerge, too, but won’t all be able to be onballers for Gold Coast’s senior side, and some are already being used elsewhere.

Already a star: None. Star upside: Humphrey, Patterson, Read, Uwland, Walter.

Gold Coast’s 22-and-unders (16 players)

Beau Addinsall, Cooper Bell, Koby Coulson, Asher Eastham, Will Graham, Lachlan Gulbin, Bailey Humphrey, Max Knobel, Leo Lombard, Jai Murray, Dylan Patterson, Ethan Read, Jake Rogers, Avery Thomas, Zeke Uwland, Jed Walter.

1. Brisbane Lions

The back-to-back reigning premiers have some extraordinary young talent, in large part because of their academy (Daniel Annable, Ty Gallop and Sam Marshall) and father-son pipeline (two-time Norm Smith medallist Will and Levi Ashcroft, plus Jaspa Fletcher). Fletcher received three Norm Smith Medal votes this year. Head recruiter Steve Conole also plucked the Lions’ new spearhead Logan Morris, who kicked 53 goals last season, with the No.31 pick in the 2023 draft, which is shrewd work. Category B rookie Shadeau Brain played well, too, when injuries piled up last year.

Already a star: Will Ashcroft, Fletcher, Morris. Star upside: Annable, Levi Ashcroft.

Brisbane’s 22-and-unders (14 players)

Daniel Annable, Levi Ashcroft, Will Ashcroft, Shadeau Brain, Cody Curtin, Koby Evans, Jaspa Fletcher, Ty Gallop, Tai Hayes, Luke Lloyd, Sam Marshall, Logan Morris, Reece Torrent, Zane Zakostelsky.

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