{"id":456856,"date":"2026-02-04T01:42:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T01:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/456856\/"},"modified":"2026-02-04T01:42:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T01:42:17","slug":"ranking-which-clubs-have-the-best-crop-of-players-aged-22-or-under","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/456856\/","title":{"rendered":"Ranking which clubs have the best crop of players aged 22 or under"},"content":{"rendered":"

17. Fremantle<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Reid.<\/p>\n

\"Docker<\/p>\n

Docker Murphy Reid was last year\u2019s Rising Star award winner.Credit: AFL Photos<\/p>\n

Fremantle\u2019s 22-and-unders (13 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

16. Port Adelaide<\/p>\n

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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\u2019s mid-season draft, including 202-centimetre defender Harrison Ramm, who turned 19 in December. They have the rights to this year\u2019s No.1 pick-elect Dougie Cochrane, whose older brother Tom is already on the Power\u2019s list. Port looked for value in the draft in recent years with sliders such as Jack Whitlock, Christian Moraes and Will Lorenz \u2013 all of whom look decent prospects \u2013 while Logan Evans has been a handy addition from the 2024 mid-season draft. However, the Power\u2019s best prospect could be skilful and speedy forward Joe Berry, a first-round selection two drafts ago.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Berry, Whitlock.<\/p>\n

Port Adelaide\u2019s 22-and-unders (12 players)<\/p>\n

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

15. Sydney<\/p>\n

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This year will be revealing for the Swans\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: King, Kyle.<\/p>\n

Sydney Swans\u2019 22-and-unders (12 players)<\/p>\n

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

14. Geelong<\/p>\n

The Cats grabbed Connor O\u2019Sullivan 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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Barker, O\u2019Sullivan.<\/p>\n

\"Connor<\/p>\n

Connor O\u2019Sullivan is Geelong\u2019s best young prospect.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

Geelong\u2019s 22-and-unders (13 players)<\/p>\n

Harley Barker, Jhye Clark, Nick Driscoll, Mitch Edwards, Lennox Hofmann, Hunter Holmes, Keighton Matofai-Forbes, Jesse Mellor, Jacob Molier, Connor O\u2019Sullivan, Joe Pike, Jay Polkinghorne, George Stevens.<\/p>\n

13. Carlton<\/p>\n

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\u2019Farrell looked promising before suffering an ACL rupture.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Dean, Smith.<\/p>\n

\"Jagga<\/p>\n

Jagga Smith, with Carlton coach Michael Voss, is set to make his mark in 2026.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

Carlton\u2019s 22-and-unders (17 players)<\/p>\n

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\u2019Farrell, Hudson O\u2019Keeffe, Jagga Smith, Billy Wilson.<\/p>\n

12. Western Bulldogs<\/p>\n

Jordan Croft\u2019s two-game AFL sample was enough to suggest the giant son of ex-Bulldog Matt will add aerial firepower to the Bulldogs\u2019 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\u2019s 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\u2019s draft. The newest Darcy \u2013 Sam\u2019s younger brother Will \u2013 will take time.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Croft, Freijah, Sanders.<\/p>\n

\"Joel<\/p>\n

Joel Freijah finished in the top 10 at last year\u2019s Western Bulldogs vote count.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

Western Bulldogs\u2019 22-and-unders<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

11. Adelaide\"Max<\/p>\n

Max Michalanney is a regular selection for the Crows.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Riley Thilthorpe, Jake Soligo and Josh Rachele don\u2019t make the cut under this age criteria, which hurts the Crows\u2019 ranking \u2013 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 \u2013 Hugh Bond and Billy Dowling have 22 appearances between them \u2013 who Adelaide will hope takes a step forward.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Curtin, Draper, Marsh, Michalanney.<\/p>\n

Adelaide\u2019s 22-and-unders (10 players)<\/p>\n

Hugh Bond, Daniel Curtin, Billy Dowling, Sid Draper, Charlie Edwards, Mitch Marsh, Max Michalanney, Archie Ludowyke, Oscar Ryan, Tyler Welsh.<\/p>\n

\"Nate<\/p>\n

Nate Caddy is one of Essendon\u2019s most promising players.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

10. Essendon<\/p>\n

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\u2019 club champion award last year, and it will be interesting to see if he stays in defence \u2013 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 \u2013 Sullivan Robey, Jacob Farrow and Dyson Sharp \u2013 in the first round in November. The jury is still out on Elijah Tsatas\u2019 kicking, but he has no trouble finding the Sherrin.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Caddy, Kako, Roberts, Robey, Farrow, Sharp.<\/p>\n

Essendon\u2019s 22-and-unders (17 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Matt<\/p>\n

Matt Jefferson (left) and Harvey Langford are part of Melbourne\u2019s next generation.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

9. Melbourne<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 cousin of Kysaiah \u2013 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\u2019 development. Does Koltyn Tholstrup have another gear?<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Langford, Lindsay, Pickett, Taylor, Windsor.<\/p>\n

Melbourne\u2019s 22-and-unders (13 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

8. St Kilda\"Saints<\/p>\n

Saints fans are justifiably excited about Mattaes Phillipou\u2019s potentialCredit: AFL Photos<\/p>\n

There is genuine upside and depth in the Saints\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Phillipou, Tauru, Travaglia, Wilson.<\/p>\n

St Kilda\u2019s 22-and-unders (15 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

7. GWS Giants<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: Cadman. Star upside: Angove, Gothard, Leake.<\/p>\n

GWS Giants\u2019 22-and-unders (20 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

6. Hawthorn<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: Watson, Weddle. Star upside: Dear, Mackenzie.<\/p>\n

\"Hawk<\/p>\n

Hawk Josh Weddle is one of the most exciting young players in the AFL.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

Hawthorn\u2019s 22-and-unders (16 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

5. Richmond<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Armstrong, Cumming, Faull, Grlj, Hotton, Lalor.<\/p>\n

\"Tiger<\/p>\n

Tiger Sam Lalor was the No.1 pick in the 2024 draft.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

Richmond\u2019s 22-and-unders (18 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

4. West Coast\"West<\/p>\n

West Coast Eagles star Harley Reid.Credit: AFL Photos<\/p>\n

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\u2019s best young players and is poised for a big third season. Other first-rounders in the Eagles\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: Harley Reid. Star upside: Allan, Duff-Tytler, Duursma, Ginbey, Hewett.<\/p>\n

West Coast\u2019s 22-and-unders (23 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

3. North Melbourne<\/p>\n

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\u2019Sullivan, 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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: Sheezel. Star upside: Dovaston, Duursma, McKercher, O\u2019Sullivan, Wardlaw, Whitlock.<\/p>\n

\"North<\/p>\n

North Melbourne\u2019s Colby McKercher is poised for a big year in 2026.Credit: AFL Photos<\/p>\n

North Melbourne\u2019s 22-and-unders (19 players)<\/p>\n

Wil Dawson, Lachy Dovaston, Zane Duursma, Brayden George, Taylor Goad, Robert Hansen, Riley Hardeman, Cooper Harvey, Jacob Konstanty, Colby McKercher, Hugo Mikunda, Finn O\u2019Sullivan, Harry Sheezel, Blake Thredgold, Cooper Trembath, Luke Urquhart, River Stevens, George Wardlaw, Matt Whitlock.<\/p>\n

2. Gold Coast\"Bailey<\/p>\n

Bailey Humphrey gives Gold Coast\u2019s midfield an X factor, and he can also swing forward.Credit: via Getty Images<\/p>\n

This is a scary group for the Suns\u2019 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 \u2013 Beau Addinsall, Will Graham, Leo Lombard, Jai Murray and Jake Rogers \u2013 emerge, too, but won\u2019t all be able to be onballers for Gold Coast\u2019s senior side, and some are already being used elsewhere.<\/p>\n

Already a star: None. Star upside: Humphrey, Patterson, Read, Uwland, Walter.<\/p>\n

Gold Coast\u2019s 22-and-unders (16 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

1. Brisbane Lions\"Father-son<\/p>\n

Father-son Lion Will Ashcroft holds his Norm Smith Medal and his premiership medal after the 2025 flag win.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n

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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Already a star: Will Ashcroft, Fletcher, Morris. Star upside: Annable, Levi Ashcroft.<\/p>\n

Brisbane\u2019s 22-and-unders (14 players)<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"17. Fremantle The Dockers have one of the most promising lists in the competition, but many of their…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":456857,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[560],"tags":[638,64,63,55,639,85],"class_list":["post-456856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-afl","tag-afl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-australian-football-league","tag-australianfootballleague","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/456856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=456856"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/456856\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/456857"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=456856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=456856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=456856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}