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<\/a><\/p>\nYoung talent continues to surge across the AFL<\/a>, with several clubs now building cores that will shape the competition over the next decade.<\/p>\n Using players aged 22 or under for the 2026 season, we’ve ranked the top five teams based on the quality and upside of their emerging talent.<\/p>\n 1Gold Coast<\/p>\n Bailey Humphrey<\/a> is the Suns’ standout under-22 player, already proving himself as a powerful mid-forward capable of having a serious impact at AFL<\/a> level.<\/p>\n Jake Rogers<\/a> adds spark at ground level, with the speedy small forward showing class, composure and an ability to make things happen in the front half.<\/p>\n The Suns’ youth stocks were further bolstered at last year’s draft, with Zeke Uwland<\/a>, the club’s first selection, arriving as a highly skilled utility. Uwland’s strong running capacity and elite foot skills give Gold Coast valuable flexibility across half-back or on the wing.<\/p>\n Up forward, academy products Ethan Read<\/a> and Jed Walter<\/a> appear to be long-term key-forward options, giving the Suns a potent mix of key forwards alongside Jamarra Ugle-Hagan<\/a> and Ben King<\/a>.<\/p>\n With several players already contributing at AFL<\/a> level and others yet to reach their ceiling, Gold Coast’s young core has become crucial in the clubs push for their first premiership.<\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Players 22 and under:\u00a0Max Knobel<\/a>, Bailey Humphrey<\/a>, Will Graham<\/a>, Jed Walter<\/a>, Jake Rogers<\/a>, Ethan Read<\/a>, Leo Lombard<\/a>, Lachlan Gulbin<\/a>, Cooper Bell<\/a>, Asher Eastham<\/a>, Zeke Uwland<\/a>, Koby Coulson<\/a>, Jai Murray<\/a>, Dylan Patterson<\/a>, Beau Addinsall<\/a>, Avery Thomas<\/a><\/p>\n
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