- Sep 27, 2018
- 2,311
- 4,617
- AFL Club
- Fremantle
- Other Teams
- brisbane lions
Who has the best crop of U23s? We rank them from worst to best
Callum Brown, Eric Hipwood, Connor Rozee and Clayton Oliver are among the League's best young talent
THE QUESTION is simple: which club has the best group of players aged under 23?
The answer, however, is far more complex.
Our panel of reporters assessed the young players from all 18 AFL clubs and ranked them according to the group they'd most like at their club. We've also identified the individual players who have the biggest upside, and the young talent that needs to get a move on.
Check out the results below, starting with the club ranked 18th by our panel of experts, and finishing with No.1.
YOUNG TALENT TIME The first-round draftees without a new contract
Under-23 players: 15 players in total
Wayne Milera (56 games), Lachlan Murphy (29 games), Jordan Gallucci (27 games), Tom Doedee (21 games), Myles Poholke (11 games), Darcy Fogarty (10 games), Elliott Himmelberg (eight games), Chayce Jones (six games), Tyson Stengle (four games), Ben Davis (one game), Jordon Butts, Will Hamill, Ned McHenry, Andrew McPherson, Lachlan Sholl
Rising Star nominees: Two players
Wayne Milera (2017), Tom Doedee (2018)
No.1 star: Wayne Milera's most damaging performances have come across half-back, but he's been used through the midfield in recent weeks to add leg speed to the Crows' onball brigade.
Biggest upside: Tom Doedee had a breakout season last year as an intercept-marking defender. Tore his ACL in round one and will be like a new recruit in 2020.
Needs to show more: Fogarty – the 12th overall pick in 2017 – hasn't played a senior game this year after 10 in his debut season. Has to dominate at SANFL level to demand another chance.
Summary: Only a third of their list is in the under-23 category with a focus on experienced players. Carlton's first-round draft pick will assist with the much-needed regeneration of the list. – Lee Gaskin
Tom Doedee will be like a new recruit in 2020 after tearing his ACL in round one. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 16 players in total
Jaidyn Stephenson (38 games), Callum Brown (29 games), Ben Crocker (26 games), Brayden Sier (18 games), Josh Daicos (15 games), Sam Murray (13 games), Flynn Appleby (10 games), Isaac Quaynor (four games), Nathan Murphy (two games), John Noble (one game), Atu Bosenavulagi, Tyler Brown, Max Lynch, Mark Keane, Will Kelly, Anton Tohill, Tom Wilson
Rising Star nominees: Two players
Sam Murray (2018), Jaidyn Stephenson (2018 – winner)
No.1 star: Second-year sensation Jaidyn Stephenson's importance has become more evident during his betting-related suspension. The brilliant youngster is a unique player: a medium-sized full-forward who creates havoc with his speed and smarts.
Summary: Injuries and suspensions have contributed to the Magpies' lowly rating, but there's enough expectation around the likes of Stephenson, Quaynor, Brayden Sier and Nathan Murphy to forecast an improved ranking by this time next year. - Ben Collins
The Pies have liked what they've seen so far from Isaac Quaynor. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 14 players in total
Clayton Oliver (78 games), Bayley Fritsch (41 games), Sam Weideman (31 games), Charlie Spargo (24 games), Corey Wagner (15 games), Harrison Petty (nine games), Oskar Baker (seven games), Kyle Dunkley (two games), Tom Sparrow (two games), Toby Bedford, Austin Bradtke, Kade Chandler, James Jordon, Aaron Nietschke
Rising Star nominees: One player
Clayton Oliver (2016)
No.1 star: No one even comes close to Clayton Oliver. He's among the premier onballers in the competition and few can match him at the coalface.
https://twitter.com/AFL
Biggest upside: Despite injuries decimating Melbourne's forward line and the delivery not always being great, Bayley Fritsch has shown potency in attack. He hasn't really settled into a position and might suit the team more across half-back or on the wing, where the Dees can make the most of his pinpoint delivery.
Needs to show more: It was tantalising to see what Sam Weideman produced in the Demons' first two finals last year. Those games were the reason the club felt confident it could send Jesse Hogan to Fremantle and still contend. That hasn't worked out, and Weideman's copped a couple of niggles, but the club needs the key forward to rebound next year.
Summary: There's a steep drop-off after the three names mentioned. Oskar Baker has serious dash but it remains to be seen whether the others can become consistent contributors in a good side. However, considering much of the club's core is only a little older than this group, there aren't any major concerns around the make-up of the list. - Dinny Navaratnam
Under-23 players: 19 players in total
Blake Hardwick (62 games), Harry Morrison (31 games), James Worpel (29 games), James Cousins (18 games), Conor Glass (17 games), Conor Nash (15 games), Jack Scrimshaw (13 games), Mitch Lewis (12 games), Teia Miles (12 games), Dylan Moore (seven games), Ollie Hanrahan (five games), Will Golds, Damon Greaves, Changkuoth Jiath, Harrison Jones, Jacob Koschitzke, Ned Reeves, Jackson Ross, Mathew Walker
Rising Star nominees: Four players
Blake Hardwick (2017), Harry Morrison (2018), James Worpel (2018), Mitch Lewis (2019)
No.1 star: He might go under the radar, but Blake Hardwick has established himself as one of Hawthorn's most important players. Drafted as a forward, he's looked accomplished since moving into the backline and finished second in last year's best and fairest.
Biggest upside: Hawks fans have seen a lot of promise from Mitch Lewis. The 198cm forward is athletic, can take a mark and has kicked 10 goals from his past five games.
Needs to show more: He has the athletic profile, but Conor Nash has struggled to fulfil his potential this season. The Irishman is having a solid defensive impact, but as a forward he has kicked just six goals from 10 games this year.
Summary: Hawthorn has neglected the draft for experienced bodies recently, so their low ranking shouldn't come as a massive surprise. The Hawks have done well in finding players with late picks, though plucking A-graders with their crop of draft selections is difficult. - Riley Beveridge
Tough nut Blake Hardwick is one of Hawthorn's most promising young guns. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 16 players in total
Jade Gresham (80 games), Ben Long (26 games), Hunter Clark (25 games), Josh Battle (22 games), Nick Coffield (16 games), Ben Paton (14 games), Ed Phillips (11 games), Bailey Rice (11 games), Brandon White (11 games), Darragh Joyce (five games), Doulton Langlands (two games), Sam Alabakis, Jack Bytel, Oscar Clavarino, Max King, Jack Mayo
Rising Star nominees: Three players
Jade Gresham (2016), Ben Long (2018), Hunter Clark (2018)
No.1 star: It's Jade Gresham. By dint of having been in the system longer than most other of the Saints here, he's had the most chance to show off his ample talent. This season, he's been getting it done in the midfield, and his influence will grow as he builds his tank.
Jade Gresham is one of the Saints' brightest young stars. Picture: AFL Photos
Biggest upside: Saints supporters must be salivating over the class and composure of Hunter Clark. It's taken a little while for him to show it, but his past month or so has been very impressive. Max King could easily be chosen here, but Clark gets the nod based on having been seen at the level.
Needs to show more: In two of Ben Long's three seasons, he's been relatively disappointing. The small forward started slowly, really showed something last year but has regressed in 2019. He has the attributes to succeed and should eventually do so.
Summary: There's a good batch, with Josh Battle, Nick Coffield and even Ben Paton joining the above names as having shown potential, but it drops off after that. St Kilda is targeting finals next season so don't expect it to seriously beef up this group in the coming off-season, although its first pick should come reasonably early. - Dinny Navaratnam
Under-23 players: 20 players in total
Darcy Tucker (66 games), Adam Cerra (37 games), Andrew Brayshaw (35 games), Brennan Cox (34 games), Bailey Banfield (24 games), Sean Darcy (23 games), Taylin Duman (20 games), Griffin Logue (19 games), Sam Switkowski (16 games), Mitchell Crowden (10 games), Stefan Giro (10 games), Lachie Schultz (four games), Jason Carter, Hugh Dixon, Lloyd Meek, Tom North, Dillon O'Reilly, Sam Sturt, Luke Valente, Tobe Watson
Rising Star nominees: Two players
Adam Cerra (2018), Brennan Cox (2018)
No.1 star: It's hard to split Andrew Brayshaw, who has been in ripping form lately after spending more time midfield, and draft classmate Adam Cerra, whose talent is undisputed.
Biggest upside: Sean Darcy is already competing against the competition's big boys and once he fully assumes the mantle as the No.1 ruck and develops his craft away from stoppages he could dominate.
Needs to show more: Griffin Logue looked poised for a breakout 2019 after a strong summer but injuries continue to ravage the Swan Districts product. Going at pick No.8 in 2016 raised expectations. Shown promise without cementing himself.
Summary: Lack of depth is a major headache with a lot of their youngsters unproven and fighting to establish themselves. They've got nothing out of last year's top two picks at this point, which doesn't help. More elite young talent – a la NGA prospect Liam Henry – will be welcome. – Travis King
Sean Darcy has the talent to become one of the game's premier big men. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 16 players in total
Jy Simpkin (52 games), Cameron Zurhaar (24 games), Luke Davies-Uniacke (20 games), Tarryn Thomas (16 games), Nick Larkey (15 games), Ben McKay (four games), Tom Murphy (four games), Bailey Scott (four games), Will Walker (four games), Curtis Taylor (two games), Kyron Hayden (one game), Joel Crocker, Tom McKenzie, Red Og Murphy, Declan Watson, Tristan Xerri
Rising Star nominees: Four players
Nick Larkey (2019), Bailey Scott (2019), Tarryn Thomas (2019), Cameron Zurhaar (2019)
No.1 star: Jy Simpkin was the Roos' top draft pick in 2016 and has hit his straps this season, racking up six 20-plus-possession games, two of which he won 30 or more touches in.
Biggest upside: Top-10 selection Tarryn Thomas has made 16 appearances in his first year, and his composure, skill, goal sense and athleticism suggest he's going to be the pick of the joeys.
Under-23 players: 19 players in total
Darcy Parish (72), Kyle Langford (60), Andrew McGrath (59), Matt Guelfi (31), Aaron Francis (23), Mason Redman (20), Josh Begley (14), Dylan Clarke (9), Jordan Ridley (9), Kobe Mutch (4), Will Snelling (3), Brayden Ham (2), Sam Draper, Noah Gown, Jordan Houlahan, Tom Jok, Irving Mosquito, Trent Mynott, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Rising Star nominees: Four players
Darcy Parish (2016), Andrew McGrath (2017 - winner), Aaron Francis (2018), Dylan Clarke (2019)
No.1 star: Andrew McGrath claimed the NAB AFL Rising Star as a rebounding defender in 2017, and has moved into the midfield since then. Smart, quick, tough and consistent, he's a key player in the club's future and could be its next skipper.
Biggest upside: Aaron Francis is one of the most talented young defenders in the competition, but hasn't put it together consistently yet. Has been used in the forward line this year, but is more comfortable as an intercept defender where his marking and game sense comes to the fore. Has had some key moments in the past couple of weeks having shifted back due to Michael Hurley's injury.
Needs to show more: It's been another frustrating campaign for Kyle Langford, who was a first-round pick in 2014 but has never really been able to cement his spot in the senior side. Was important late against Gold Coast last week and has talent as a half-forward, but can have a bigger impact on games.
FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game
Summary: The Bombers have traded out of the first round of drafts the previous two years (and again don't have a first-round selection this season) which sways how this group looks against others. But the emergence of Darcy Parish as a genuine midfielder who can kick goals, plus McGrath's development, Mason Redman's impressive form at half-back, Matt Guelfi's versatility, Dylan Clarke as a tagger and Francis' potential means there is real quality in Essendon's younger brigade. - Callum Twomey
Darcy Parish is one of the Bombers' brightest young prospects. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 20 players in total
Liam Duggan (84 games), Tom Cole (41 games), Liam Ryan (31 games), Jake Waterman (23 games), Daniel Venables (21 games), Oscar Allen (19 games), Jack Petruccelle (18 games), Jarrod Cameron (six games), Kurt Mutimer (four games), Brayden Ainsworth (three games), Jarrod Brander (three games), Josh Rotham (three games), Matthew Allen, Patrick Bines, Hamish Brayshaw, Harry Edwards, Luke Foley, Xavier O'Neill, Brodie Riach, Bailey Williams
Rising Star nominees: Three players
Tom Cole (2018), Jake Waterman (2018), Jack Petruccelle (2019)
No.1 star: Liam Ryan booted 20 goals and became an important part of the premiership-winning line-up in his first season, before evolving into a defensive-minded small. Still scratching the surface.
Biggest upside: Oscar Allen could be anything. Not many 20-year-olds could ease concerns about spearhead Josh Kennedy's eventual retirement but Allen has somehow managed that after 19 games.
Needs to show more: It's hard to be too critical of Daniel Venables given his injury history, a difficult half-forward role and the fact the former pick 13 is already a premiership player aged 20. He is out for the year due to concussion but when he returns fans hope he can develop into a damaging mid who finds more of the ball.
Summary: Oscar Allen is the ace in the pack, and the Eagles would be very pleased with the young talent developing at both ends. They need to find a new wave of midfielders in the near future, and a young ruckman. Larke medallist Deven Robertson and WA teammate Luke Jackson are on the radar, but will be tough to get. - Travis King
Callum Brown, Eric Hipwood, Connor Rozee and Clayton Oliver are among the League's best young talent
THE QUESTION is simple: which club has the best group of players aged under 23?
The answer, however, is far more complex.
Our panel of reporters assessed the young players from all 18 AFL clubs and ranked them according to the group they'd most like at their club. We've also identified the individual players who have the biggest upside, and the young talent that needs to get a move on.
Check out the results below, starting with the club ranked 18th by our panel of experts, and finishing with No.1.
YOUNG TALENT TIME The first-round draftees without a new contract
Under-23 players: 15 players in total
Wayne Milera (56 games), Lachlan Murphy (29 games), Jordan Gallucci (27 games), Tom Doedee (21 games), Myles Poholke (11 games), Darcy Fogarty (10 games), Elliott Himmelberg (eight games), Chayce Jones (six games), Tyson Stengle (four games), Ben Davis (one game), Jordon Butts, Will Hamill, Ned McHenry, Andrew McPherson, Lachlan Sholl
Rising Star nominees: Two players
Wayne Milera (2017), Tom Doedee (2018)
No.1 star: Wayne Milera's most damaging performances have come across half-back, but he's been used through the midfield in recent weeks to add leg speed to the Crows' onball brigade.
Biggest upside: Tom Doedee had a breakout season last year as an intercept-marking defender. Tore his ACL in round one and will be like a new recruit in 2020.
Needs to show more: Fogarty – the 12th overall pick in 2017 – hasn't played a senior game this year after 10 in his debut season. Has to dominate at SANFL level to demand another chance.
Summary: Only a third of their list is in the under-23 category with a focus on experienced players. Carlton's first-round draft pick will assist with the much-needed regeneration of the list. – Lee Gaskin
Tom Doedee will be like a new recruit in 2020 after tearing his ACL in round one. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 16 players in total
Jaidyn Stephenson (38 games), Callum Brown (29 games), Ben Crocker (26 games), Brayden Sier (18 games), Josh Daicos (15 games), Sam Murray (13 games), Flynn Appleby (10 games), Isaac Quaynor (four games), Nathan Murphy (two games), John Noble (one game), Atu Bosenavulagi, Tyler Brown, Max Lynch, Mark Keane, Will Kelly, Anton Tohill, Tom Wilson
Rising Star nominees: Two players
Sam Murray (2018), Jaidyn Stephenson (2018 – winner)
No.1 star: Second-year sensation Jaidyn Stephenson's importance has become more evident during his betting-related suspension. The brilliant youngster is a unique player: a medium-sized full-forward who creates havoc with his speed and smarts.
Needs to show more: Classy runner Josh Daicos has fought hard for three AFL games this season and after 15 games in three seasons he must grab his opportunity. Has the talent.
Summary: Injuries and suspensions have contributed to the Magpies' lowly rating, but there's enough expectation around the likes of Stephenson, Quaynor, Brayden Sier and Nathan Murphy to forecast an improved ranking by this time next year. - Ben Collins
The Pies have liked what they've seen so far from Isaac Quaynor. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 14 players in total
Clayton Oliver (78 games), Bayley Fritsch (41 games), Sam Weideman (31 games), Charlie Spargo (24 games), Corey Wagner (15 games), Harrison Petty (nine games), Oskar Baker (seven games), Kyle Dunkley (two games), Tom Sparrow (two games), Toby Bedford, Austin Bradtke, Kade Chandler, James Jordon, Aaron Nietschke
Rising Star nominees: One player
Clayton Oliver (2016)
No.1 star: No one even comes close to Clayton Oliver. He's among the premier onballers in the competition and few can match him at the coalface.
https://twitter.com/AFL
Biggest upside: Despite injuries decimating Melbourne's forward line and the delivery not always being great, Bayley Fritsch has shown potency in attack. He hasn't really settled into a position and might suit the team more across half-back or on the wing, where the Dees can make the most of his pinpoint delivery.
Needs to show more: It was tantalising to see what Sam Weideman produced in the Demons' first two finals last year. Those games were the reason the club felt confident it could send Jesse Hogan to Fremantle and still contend. That hasn't worked out, and Weideman's copped a couple of niggles, but the club needs the key forward to rebound next year.
Summary: There's a steep drop-off after the three names mentioned. Oskar Baker has serious dash but it remains to be seen whether the others can become consistent contributors in a good side. However, considering much of the club's core is only a little older than this group, there aren't any major concerns around the make-up of the list. - Dinny Navaratnam
Under-23 players: 19 players in total
Blake Hardwick (62 games), Harry Morrison (31 games), James Worpel (29 games), James Cousins (18 games), Conor Glass (17 games), Conor Nash (15 games), Jack Scrimshaw (13 games), Mitch Lewis (12 games), Teia Miles (12 games), Dylan Moore (seven games), Ollie Hanrahan (five games), Will Golds, Damon Greaves, Changkuoth Jiath, Harrison Jones, Jacob Koschitzke, Ned Reeves, Jackson Ross, Mathew Walker
Rising Star nominees: Four players
Blake Hardwick (2017), Harry Morrison (2018), James Worpel (2018), Mitch Lewis (2019)
No.1 star: He might go under the radar, but Blake Hardwick has established himself as one of Hawthorn's most important players. Drafted as a forward, he's looked accomplished since moving into the backline and finished second in last year's best and fairest.
Biggest upside: Hawks fans have seen a lot of promise from Mitch Lewis. The 198cm forward is athletic, can take a mark and has kicked 10 goals from his past five games.
https://twitter.com/AFL
Needs to show more: He has the athletic profile, but Conor Nash has struggled to fulfil his potential this season. The Irishman is having a solid defensive impact, but as a forward he has kicked just six goals from 10 games this year.
Summary: Hawthorn has neglected the draft for experienced bodies recently, so their low ranking shouldn't come as a massive surprise. The Hawks have done well in finding players with late picks, though plucking A-graders with their crop of draft selections is difficult. - Riley Beveridge
Tough nut Blake Hardwick is one of Hawthorn's most promising young guns. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 16 players in total
Jade Gresham (80 games), Ben Long (26 games), Hunter Clark (25 games), Josh Battle (22 games), Nick Coffield (16 games), Ben Paton (14 games), Ed Phillips (11 games), Bailey Rice (11 games), Brandon White (11 games), Darragh Joyce (five games), Doulton Langlands (two games), Sam Alabakis, Jack Bytel, Oscar Clavarino, Max King, Jack Mayo
Rising Star nominees: Three players
Jade Gresham (2016), Ben Long (2018), Hunter Clark (2018)
No.1 star: It's Jade Gresham. By dint of having been in the system longer than most other of the Saints here, he's had the most chance to show off his ample talent. This season, he's been getting it done in the midfield, and his influence will grow as he builds his tank.
Jade Gresham is one of the Saints' brightest young stars. Picture: AFL Photos
Biggest upside: Saints supporters must be salivating over the class and composure of Hunter Clark. It's taken a little while for him to show it, but his past month or so has been very impressive. Max King could easily be chosen here, but Clark gets the nod based on having been seen at the level.
Needs to show more: In two of Ben Long's three seasons, he's been relatively disappointing. The small forward started slowly, really showed something last year but has regressed in 2019. He has the attributes to succeed and should eventually do so.
Summary: There's a good batch, with Josh Battle, Nick Coffield and even Ben Paton joining the above names as having shown potential, but it drops off after that. St Kilda is targeting finals next season so don't expect it to seriously beef up this group in the coming off-season, although its first pick should come reasonably early. - Dinny Navaratnam
https://twitter.com/AFL
Under-23 players: 20 players in total
Darcy Tucker (66 games), Adam Cerra (37 games), Andrew Brayshaw (35 games), Brennan Cox (34 games), Bailey Banfield (24 games), Sean Darcy (23 games), Taylin Duman (20 games), Griffin Logue (19 games), Sam Switkowski (16 games), Mitchell Crowden (10 games), Stefan Giro (10 games), Lachie Schultz (four games), Jason Carter, Hugh Dixon, Lloyd Meek, Tom North, Dillon O'Reilly, Sam Sturt, Luke Valente, Tobe Watson
Rising Star nominees: Two players
Adam Cerra (2018), Brennan Cox (2018)
No.1 star: It's hard to split Andrew Brayshaw, who has been in ripping form lately after spending more time midfield, and draft classmate Adam Cerra, whose talent is undisputed.
https://twitter.com/AFL
Biggest upside: Sean Darcy is already competing against the competition's big boys and once he fully assumes the mantle as the No.1 ruck and develops his craft away from stoppages he could dominate.
Needs to show more: Griffin Logue looked poised for a breakout 2019 after a strong summer but injuries continue to ravage the Swan Districts product. Going at pick No.8 in 2016 raised expectations. Shown promise without cementing himself.
Summary: Lack of depth is a major headache with a lot of their youngsters unproven and fighting to establish themselves. They've got nothing out of last year's top two picks at this point, which doesn't help. More elite young talent – a la NGA prospect Liam Henry – will be welcome. – Travis King
Sean Darcy has the talent to become one of the game's premier big men. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 16 players in total
Jy Simpkin (52 games), Cameron Zurhaar (24 games), Luke Davies-Uniacke (20 games), Tarryn Thomas (16 games), Nick Larkey (15 games), Ben McKay (four games), Tom Murphy (four games), Bailey Scott (four games), Will Walker (four games), Curtis Taylor (two games), Kyron Hayden (one game), Joel Crocker, Tom McKenzie, Red Og Murphy, Declan Watson, Tristan Xerri
Rising Star nominees: Four players
Nick Larkey (2019), Bailey Scott (2019), Tarryn Thomas (2019), Cameron Zurhaar (2019)
No.1 star: Jy Simpkin was the Roos' top draft pick in 2016 and has hit his straps this season, racking up six 20-plus-possession games, two of which he won 30 or more touches in.
Biggest upside: Top-10 selection Tarryn Thomas has made 16 appearances in his first year, and his composure, skill, goal sense and athleticism suggest he's going to be the pick of the joeys.
Under-23 players: 19 players in total
Darcy Parish (72), Kyle Langford (60), Andrew McGrath (59), Matt Guelfi (31), Aaron Francis (23), Mason Redman (20), Josh Begley (14), Dylan Clarke (9), Jordan Ridley (9), Kobe Mutch (4), Will Snelling (3), Brayden Ham (2), Sam Draper, Noah Gown, Jordan Houlahan, Tom Jok, Irving Mosquito, Trent Mynott, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Rising Star nominees: Four players
Darcy Parish (2016), Andrew McGrath (2017 - winner), Aaron Francis (2018), Dylan Clarke (2019)
No.1 star: Andrew McGrath claimed the NAB AFL Rising Star as a rebounding defender in 2017, and has moved into the midfield since then. Smart, quick, tough and consistent, he's a key player in the club's future and could be its next skipper.
Biggest upside: Aaron Francis is one of the most talented young defenders in the competition, but hasn't put it together consistently yet. Has been used in the forward line this year, but is more comfortable as an intercept defender where his marking and game sense comes to the fore. Has had some key moments in the past couple of weeks having shifted back due to Michael Hurley's injury.
Needs to show more: It's been another frustrating campaign for Kyle Langford, who was a first-round pick in 2014 but has never really been able to cement his spot in the senior side. Was important late against Gold Coast last week and has talent as a half-forward, but can have a bigger impact on games.
FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game
Summary: The Bombers have traded out of the first round of drafts the previous two years (and again don't have a first-round selection this season) which sways how this group looks against others. But the emergence of Darcy Parish as a genuine midfielder who can kick goals, plus McGrath's development, Mason Redman's impressive form at half-back, Matt Guelfi's versatility, Dylan Clarke as a tagger and Francis' potential means there is real quality in Essendon's younger brigade. - Callum Twomey
Darcy Parish is one of the Bombers' brightest young prospects. Picture: AFL Photos
Under-23 players: 20 players in total
Liam Duggan (84 games), Tom Cole (41 games), Liam Ryan (31 games), Jake Waterman (23 games), Daniel Venables (21 games), Oscar Allen (19 games), Jack Petruccelle (18 games), Jarrod Cameron (six games), Kurt Mutimer (four games), Brayden Ainsworth (three games), Jarrod Brander (three games), Josh Rotham (three games), Matthew Allen, Patrick Bines, Hamish Brayshaw, Harry Edwards, Luke Foley, Xavier O'Neill, Brodie Riach, Bailey Williams
Rising Star nominees: Three players
Tom Cole (2018), Jake Waterman (2018), Jack Petruccelle (2019)
No.1 star: Liam Ryan booted 20 goals and became an important part of the premiership-winning line-up in his first season, before evolving into a defensive-minded small. Still scratching the surface.
Biggest upside: Oscar Allen could be anything. Not many 20-year-olds could ease concerns about spearhead Josh Kennedy's eventual retirement but Allen has somehow managed that after 19 games.
Needs to show more: It's hard to be too critical of Daniel Venables given his injury history, a difficult half-forward role and the fact the former pick 13 is already a premiership player aged 20. He is out for the year due to concussion but when he returns fans hope he can develop into a damaging mid who finds more of the ball.
Summary: Oscar Allen is the ace in the pack, and the Eagles would be very pleased with the young talent developing at both ends. They need to find a new wave of midfielders in the near future, and a young ruckman. Larke medallist Deven Robertson and WA teammate Luke Jackson are on the radar, but will be tough to get. - Travis King
