100 Aussie rules juniors to watch across 2023 and you may not have heard of
They are our future AFL and AFLW stars - from unlikely rises to famous family names, here are 100 Aussie rules juniors from across Australia you may not have heard of. SEE THE FULL LIST
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A lush footy field in Tassie, a red soil oval in the Top End or a sun-soaked pitch in Queensland - our next gen of Aussie rules superstars are forging paths in many different ways.
For some of these 100 rising players, AFLW and AFL futures await.
For others the ultimate may simply be premiership glory for their schools, clubs or states.
Whatever their dreams in Aussie rules, these young players are worth keeping an eye on in 2023.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE FULL LIST
Mak Hoskin (Vic)
Still only 18 years of age – and held down centre half-forward in the Eastern league’s Premier Division with no worries.
Featured for the Doncaster East Lions in 2022, including a finals campaign.
The praise couldn’t be any higher from coach Ryan James, who says “I’ve just never seen a more competitive kid”.
Leo Lombard (Qld)
Varsity College student Lombard has an extremely high work rate. He is a tough inside mid that runs all day and gets involved at every opportunity he can.
Burleigh Bombers junior and Suns academy member Lombard wins a lot of footy and has good foot skills.
Grace Whittaker (NT)
Whittaker has taken her footy to the next level over the past year after debuting in the NT’s women’s Premier League and becoming an under-18 flag winner.
A key target up forward and strong mark, the versatile Whittaker relocated to Adelaide to play for Norwood in its development squad.
Havana Harris (Qld)
Varsity College student Harris is athletic, a tall girl who can play ruck or forward.
A Burleigh Bombers junior, she is powerful, skilful, and clean with strong hands overhead. Harris can also kick goals.
Ethan Sawade (NSW/ACT)
Sawade has long been on the GWS Giants’ radar, impressing with a string of best on ground showings for Belconnen in the junior competitions.
He was named the under-15s best and fairest for the Magpies in 2021 to underline his talent.
Daniel Annable (Qld)
Annable is a classy midfielder from Victoria Point Sharks and the Brisbane Lions academy.
He represented the Lions in the national under-16 carnival, showing his class as an underage player.
The Cleveland State High School student has a high football IQ and an exceptional work ethic. The Redland-Victoria Point rookie started the season in under-16s but progressed to Colts.
Jonathan Millar (Vic)
A player who showed potential as a left footer with a strong kick.
Plays like Darcy Moore where he reads the play well by creating two-on-ones by leaving his man.
The Balwyn Greythorn Jets product can also carry the ball and create spark off half back with a long kick.
Olivia Morris (NSW/ACT)
The Pennant Hills Demons talent is in the running for the 2023 AFLW draft after her selection in the AFLW academy squad.
The 17-year-old is already a member of the Sydney Swans girls’ academy.
Josie McCabe (Qld)
The Marymount College student and Burleigh Bombers junior is a strong bodied midfield player that can go forward, McCabe is super competitive. She has strong hands and puts her head over the footy, earning a spot on the Suns academy roster.
Heidi Talbot (Qld)
From sporting rich FNQ via the North Cairns Tigers system, Talbot is a clean handed midfielder with hard running and elite skills by hand and by foot. She is also a super quick runner out of the Trinity Bay High School.
Tristen Meekin (Qld)
The son of a Queensland track and field sprint star (mum Lachelle), Ambrose Treacy College student Meekin is a dynamic left-footer who is comfortable winning his own ball on the inside while showing great skill and poise in space.
The Jindalee junior’s ball use by hand or foot is exceptional making him a weapon in any team. Unfortunately, he sustained a serious knee injury leading into club finals this year but with time to recover the Lions expect big things from him in the latter half of 2023.
Bridie Gregurke (NSW/ACT)
A talented rugby league player from Lavington in the Riverina district, Gregurke was chosen in the Giants under-16 girls’ academy for 2023.
She took her talents to the bigger stage for the AFL Riverina Girls Under-16 rep squad in 2022, lining up against the Swans academy in September.
Raphael Geesu (Qld)
Geesu, out of Cleveland High and Victoria Point Sharks, is a young Indigenous boy who oozes class. He has elite kicking skills and blinding speed. He is a super talented small forward with great goal sense. His form in the National Under-16 Development Championships showed he has a great future in the game.
Parker Heatley (Vic)
Perhaps a little premature given he only played seven senior games for North Heidelberg this season but young Heatley is one to watch.
A key forward prospect, like his old man Jason, he is still eligible for under-17s but showed some nice signs when given the chance.
Ellie Hall (NSW/ACT)
Talk about a talent. Hall impressed in the under-16 girls’ division at the All Schools Cross Country Championships in South Australia.
The Narrandera High School student was also chosen in the GWS under-16 academy squad.
Lilu Hung (Qld)
The Kedron High student is a strong, aggressive player with the ability to play forward and pinch hit in the midfield.
She thrives on the contest, proven during her junior days at Kedron, Wilston Grange and Aspley. Now in the Lions academy.
Ashleigh Kelvin (Qld)
Kelvin was the highest-finishing Garbutt Magpies player of 2022 in Townsville Bulletin’s Aussie rules rankings.
The St Anthony’s graduate is a dual-code star with a big reputation in touch football ranks but it is on the round oval the young gun continues to shine brightly.
Tyson Barry (Vic)
The 17-year-old Cranbourne small forward has burst on to the scene with 34 goals in 19 games in his first season of senior footy.
An exciting talent who may not be on any VFL and AFL books but continues to impress.
Oscar Besanko (Vic)
The Riddell youngster is still eligible for under-19s and mixed his season across all three grades.
However, he spent the majority of the year in the senior team and looks a strong long-term player for the club should he not earn higher honours.
Lucas Camporeale (SA)
The Glenelg youngster was in June among five South Australians selected in the under-16 All-Australian squad after stunning efforts during the national titles.
Wing star Camporeale, the son of former Eagles and Carlton player Scott Camporeale, was impressive with his use of the ball while registering an average of 17 disposals.
Reece Cowling (SA)
17-year-old Cowling is a strong and reliable footballer for West Gambier, making his A Grade debut in 21021 while still competing in his first year of under-18s.
With the ability to play around the park, Cowling was named in the best players in multiple weeks.
Sophie Eaton (WA)
The Central Bulldogs rising talent already has an eye on the senior women’s ranks, as proved by her selection in the SA under-16 academy squad for 2023.
Eaton was part of the Barossa, Light & Gawler Football Association women’s under-16 premiership in 2021, booting a goal and narrowly being pipped for best on ground honours.
Lauren Young (SA)
The 16-year-old West Adelaide gun suffered an ACL injury which hampered her year but she remains regarded as one of the best female prospects in South Australia.
She won the SANFLW Best and Fairest at just 15 and is a certain draft pick if she stays fit.
Jade Leven (NSW/ACT)
One of Bathurst’s most promising footy talents ever, Levin was in 2012 named CWAFL Youth Girls Best and Fairest player.
She followed that performance up by being plucked from the Western Sydney system and selected in the GWS Giants under-16 girls’ academy program.
Brad McDonald (Qld)
The Sunshine Coast Grammar School student and Maroochydore talent is an athletic, tall defender who can also play forward and or as a ruckman. He can really take a nice contested mark and covers the ground well for his size.
Is part of the Brisbane Lions academy.
Jake Rogers (Qld)
Varsity College student Rogers is as clean as they come. He has an elite handball craft and a high footy IQ who is super quick and who is suited as a mid or a forward.
A Broadbeach junior who is now part of the Suns academy.
Shineah Goody (SA)
The Woodville-West Torrens midfielder in May won the SANFLW Breakthrough Player Award, adding to her ever-expanding trophy cabinet.
Goody was nominated for her outstanding match against minor premier North Adelaide in Round 8, collecting 26 disposals and six marks.
Featuring in nine SANFLW League matches in 2022, Goody averaged 20.3 per game and is a member of the AFLW Academy sqaud for 2023.
Harry Cook (Qld)
Suns academy talent and Centrals Trinity Beach Bulldogs product, 16, has really strong hands and has a willingness to hunt and win the footy. He is super competitive and powerful with an ability to play as an inside mid and small forward. Cook also has good goal sense.
J’Noemi Anderson (NT)
One of two players from the NT selected in the 2022 AFLW Academy and was voted the 2020/21 NTFL NT News Rising Star.
Anderson spent time training with the Gold Coast Suns’ academy and has been a solid contributor for St Mary’s, being is a strong inside midfielder who can hit the scoreboard.
Molly Brooksby (SA)
The 17-year-old has taken her game to another level in recent times, illustrated by her rise to the 2023 AFLW Academy squad.
Brooksby played nine games for Norwood in 2022 and is the 170cm product is out of the Golden Grove club.
Sol Zak (Vic)
A country footballer who is a strong defender and hardly loses to his opponent.
His development has been huge over the past 12 months as he was able to play more for Shepparton Swans through Covid times compared to Metro footballers.
Matilda Scholz (SA)
The 17-year-old has already left her mark across the SANFL Women’s League, AFLW U18 Championships and AFLW U17 Championships in 2022.
The Goodwood Saints and Glenelg player was rewarded with selection in the AFLW Academy for 2023.
Ruck/forward utility Scholz played 11 league games for Glenelg’s SANFLW side last season, dominated for Goodwood Saints and led her Scotch senior A football team to multiple titles last season as captain, best and fairest and leading goal kicker.
Piper Window (SA)
In 2022 Window became a Glenelg premiership player, a Morphettville Park Best and Fairest winner and a South Australia under-18 representative.
That all led to selection in the AFLW Academy for 2023 and a growing reputation.
Nathan Jensen (Qld)
The Caloundra junior and Maroochydore Football Club product has progressed to the Lions academy after previously lining up in the Queensland under-17 side.
The Unity College ruckman who is developing a nice set of skills, he is aggressive and strong while also having a nice leap.
Jack Delean (SA)
The 17-year-old small forward is tipped for the AFL Draft in 2023 after taking more strides this year.
Delean has long been on the radar as he impressed in the SANFL under-18 league, consistently proving a threat in front of goals.
He’s versatile enough to push up the field but has a knack for finding the goals.
Will McCabe (SA)
The 17-year-old key position player already looks destined for the AFL given his father is former Hawthorn player Luke McCabe.
He lined up for Central District in 2022 and while he is considered a raw talent, he proved his potential as SA’s under-16 MVP this year, thanks largely to his athleticism and aerial ability.
Ethan Read (Qld)
A ruckman, the Palm Beach Currumbin talent is skilful and good at ground level for his size.
A member of the Queensland under-17s and Suns academy, he competes and tackles and has added overhead marking to his bag of tricks this year.
Maggie Clark (WA)
The North Adelaide starlet in November claimed a spot in the 2023 South Australia under-16 academy.
SANFL Female Talent Coordinator Bek McMahon will coach the squad at the brand new 2023 AFL Women’s Under 18 Championships.
Eamon Hyde (Vic)
Cobram’s talent kicked six goals in a practice game against St Joseph’s before the under-12 national carnival and always had the potential for a strong tournament.
He delivered on that being the No.1 key forward in the side with plenty of goals to his name. Hyde has a strong pair of hands likened to Tom Lynch. He took a heap of marks for his side in Adelaide and he was strong one-on-one.
Patrick Weckert (SA)
The 17-year-old forward famously turned down a SA state league debut to complete his college football commitments with PAC.
Weckert eventually cracked the SANFL for Woodville-West Torrens after booting eight goals in reserves.
With a 190cm frame, Weckert is known to love the physical contest as the ball comes in.
Hughen Wissman (SA)
Another improving young star from the North Adelaide system, Wissman’s ability to win the ball in the contest has been growing in recent seasons.
The midfielder consistently led by example in the 2021 SAAS First XVIII college competition for Prince Alfred and coach Matt Slade in Mat alluded to his development.
“He’s growing at a great rate and has been playing well out at North so we’re excited to see what he can do,” Slade said.
Jackson Butterworth (Vic)
Can play in all positions. The Echuca Bombers player Butterworth has a strong ability to break away from stoppages and he is a great kick.
His positional flexibility was handy in the under-12 national tournament and he is a player likened to Luke Hodge in the way he can use his footy smarts.
Jack Hodges (SA)
Rostrevor coach James Allan had high praise for emerging star ruckman and defender Jack Hodges heading into the 2022 SAAS First XVIII college season.
The versatile teenager continued to impress during the off-season, showing the ability to dominate in the ruck and give his teammates first use, while also becoming a strong contesting defender.
“He’s got great size and he’s a very good athlete,” Allan said in May.
“I’ve been speaking about him a fair bit – he’s going to be important for us in the ruck and down back.”
Sachi Syme (SA)
Syme’s ability to win the ball through the middle of the park and also hit the scoreboard saw her selected as an All-Australian from the national titles in May.
The Norwood talent was impressive in each outing for South Australia, and produced her best display against WA, getting her hands on plenty of the ball and also booting two majors in a big win.
Will Charlick (SA)
Charlick took his game to another level for Prince Alfred this year in the SAAS First XVIII competition, slotting in at half-back seamlessly.
“Will has really advanced his game for us across half-back,” Reds coach Matt Slade said in June.
“He is another player who wins a lot of contested ball and he also provides drive out of the defence.”
Charlick was among the college’s best each week and continued to improve with his decision making and disposal efficiency.
Darcy Twist (Vic)
A midfield/forward, Twist was a regular in Caulfield Grammar’s best players across the VAFA under-19 premier competition.
He chimed in with key goals, proving to be one of Caulfield’s top prospects.
Max Daw (SA)
Daw’s performance across half-back against St Peter’s put the SAAS First XVIII competition on notice and added to his growing reputation.
Showing the ability to read the ball before anyone else, Daw consistently picked off forward entries by Saints and used his explosiveness and intelligence with the ball to kickstart attacks for Rostrevor.
Daw’s contribution to both defence and attack was a welcomed boost for Rostrevor.
Riley Davey (SA)
Immanuel coach Mark Bickley offered some high praise for Davey – one of the team’s most improved performers in the midfield in 2022.
“Riley was good last year but he’s been excellent so far this year,” he said in June.
Davey possesses the ability to not only hit the contest hard, but also explode away from opponents and penetrate the forward 50 with a high efficiency.
Kaiden Arthur (Vic)
The 18-year-old was one of only two Laurimar Power players to play all 19 games this season and has been a revelation on the wing.
If the NFNL had a Goal of the Year award it would be hard to go past Arthur’s effort in Round 17, intercepting the ball on the wing, kicking long, getting the crumbs off the pack and a banana finish.
Tara Harrington (Qld)
The Broadbeach Cats junior is a powerful midfielder with very good hands inside the contest, Harrington also has good foot skills and is a noted decision maker.
Suns academy member Harrington also has a great eye – which is probably why she is also an elite golfer.
Lachlan Guymer (Vic)
Made his debut as a 17-year-old for Warrandyte in the Eastern league’s Division 3 this season and certainly didn’t look out of place, playing the last seven matches of the year including two finals.
No task was too great for Guymer, as he took on dual premiership midfielder Luke McComb in his debut match against Ferntree Gully, playing across halfback and in the back pocket.
Ned Atkinson (SA)
The son of former Sturt champion and Magarey Medalist Brodie Atkinson, Ned enjoyed a strong debut season for Sacred Heart’s First XVIII side.
Playing as a half-forward and midfielder in coach Jon Symonds’ team, Atkinson was among the best performers for Hearts each week, showing promising skills and poise on the ball.
His ability to win the ball in the contest and also hit the scoreboard has seen him stand out for the team each week.
Set for Year 11 in 2023, the best is yet to come for Atkinson and his fast development would have both his college and Sturt excited.
Finn Wakelin (SA)
Wakelin impressed as a centre half-forward and ruckman at Rostrevor and played a significant part in the college’s strong start to the SAAS First XVIII season.
A Year 12 student in 2023, Wakelin quickly became a fixture of the Rostrevor’s First XVIII team.
The youngster’s ability to hit packs, take strong marks on the lead and convert on the scoreboard has been big for his team, while his ruck work has been a handy bonus and allowed Rostrevor to rotate.
Hussien Kadour (Vic)
Made his senior debut for Newport at just 16 in 2022 and found himself right at home at the level.
Finished with 17 goals in 10 matches while also playing some under-18 footy.
Joel Lawson (Vic)
Stepped straight into the Laurimar senior team from its under-17s and looked a duck in water. The 18-year-old booted 31 goals in 17 appearances, finishing ninth in the competition goalkicking award.
Lawson kicked at least one goal in every game except the qualifying final win.
William Akec (WA)
Another highly rated member of the WA under-16 academy squad, Trinity College graduate Akec impressed for East Perth in 2022.
Out of the Bayswater junior club, Akec is a fleet-footed 16-year-old with a 185cm and 78kg frame.
Ollie Muir (Vic)
Also a state basketballer, the Neerim South product also lined up in Adelaide for the under-12 boys’ state football team.
A left footer who is agile and can find his way through traffic.
The midfielder or forward is not the tallest player but has a massive vertical leap.
Kalan Thomas (Vic)
An agile ruck who can also play as a midfielder with the ability to get ground balls.
The South Melbourne Districts talent is athletic and had a successful tournament at the national under-12 titles.
Ashton Moir (SA)
Another who seems destined for the AFL Draft, the 186cm forward looks to be a danger every time he’s up front.
The Glenelg star and Plympton product can kick off both feet and has a strong marking ability.
Tyler Lindberg (WA)
The Busselton young gun told local news it “pretty surreal” when he was selected for the WA under-16s team in June.
The 16-year-old was one of seven South West players chosen, sparking hopes of an AFL future via the draft.
The 183cm talent enjoyed a solid season with East Perth in the colts and futures leagues.
Ayui Makiemg (Vic)
Only 18 but caught the eye with a number of impressive performances in defence for Northcote Park Cougars.
Still raw but attacks the ball in the air with little fear, which can become a major intercept-marking weapon as he develops.
Matt O’Brien (Vic)
Get him on a VFL list! Averaged 25 disposals and six clearances for St Paul’s McKinnon. Good inside and outside. Highly rated by good judges. At just 18, he’s one of the fittest players at the club.
Will Patton (SA)
At 17 and 191cm the Mitcham defender already looks the goods for higher honours.
He’s proven a reliable performer for West Adelaide and easily transitioned to under-18 state level.
Looks good both in the air and with ball in hand.
Daniel Owen (Vic)
Was named Eltham under-19 captain at the start of the season but never got the chance to lead his team out as he was one of the first picked in the senior side every week.
Owen played 18 games and kicked 57 goals in 2022 and finished runner-up in the league goalkicking award. Was on Oakleigh Chargers’ list in 2021.
Angus Seivers (Vic)
A man mountain and still only 18. How he’s not on a NAB League list or VFL list is a puzzling question.
Seivers shone in a Greensborough defence already stacked with talent, with his attack on the ball in the air and on the ground and then rebound off halfback a major feature.
Alex McBride-Loane (Vic)
The Maribyrnong Park junior star dazzled throughout the School Sport Australia 15 and under footy carnival in July.
McBride-Loane was consistently among Victoria’s better players to earn her place in the All Australian side.
She was a regular goalscorer throughout the Essendon District Football League under-16 girls competition.
David Bromot (NT)
The Cazalys NT Thunder Academy talent is known for his silky skills and beautiful left foot kick.
He was a member of the Thunder’s under-16 squad which travelled to Melbourne in June for the NAB AFL National Development Championships.
Freddie Hardman (Vic)
Hawthorn Citz’s midfield bull who carries the ball and has speed out of contests. Strong clearance player who is likened to Dustin Martin.
He goes forward and impacts the scoreboard as well, as he proved at the national under-12 championships in August.
Ryley Sanders (Tas)
Considered one of Tasmania’s best AFL Draft prospects for 2023, the 185cm midfielder has made the move to Melbourne Grammar.
He built his name as a player happy to do the hard work, followed up by a clean set of hands that feed teammates.
Tom Burnell (Vic)
An inside midfielder who has great endurance and courage.
He played several senior matches for Old Brighton in the VAFA in 2022 after strong performances in the under-19s.
He has good pace who can run with the footy and deliver good handballs and kicks forward.
Tate Carter-Roach (Tas)
A long-serving member of rep teams at various levels across the state, Carter-Roach has found a home in defence.
The Lauderdale Junior Football Club talent has a 183cm and 84kg frame, and earned a spot in the Devils under-16 academy in 2022.
Deon Luttrell (Vic)
A well built quality wing who goes in hard. Picks up heaps of possessions and has great potential, as the South Morang Football Club talent showed at the national under-12 championships.
Anica Kraljevic (NSW/ACT)
The Eastlake Football Club product has taken her game to another level in 2022.
The ACT district player’s game-busting efforts were capped with selection in the GWS Giants under-16 girls’ academy for 2023.
Tom Robinson (Vic)
Robinson had a breakout game against Old Melburnians the VAFA under-19 premier competition, where he kicked seven goals.
The forward went at better than a goal a game and featured in De La Salle’s best players on a handful of occasions.
Angus Hug (Vic)
The midfielder kicked almost two goals per game for St Bernards in the VAFA under-19 competition, the most of any player in his side.
He had a breakout game in the middle of the season where he kicked seven goals against University Blues.
Jack Palmer (Vic)
The midfielder was best on ground in four matches for St Kevins’ VAFA under-19s in 2022. He played a game in the senior side in a minor premiership season. Palmer can also go forward and hit the scoreboard.
Kayle Gerreyn (WA)
The Joondalup Kinross junior enjoyed somewhat of a breakout 12 months, including lining up for West Perth.
Gerreyn is yet another talent to emerge from the Wesley College system, one which delivered more players to the AFL ranks in 2022.
Edward Kennedy (Vic)
A consistent forward who has a small gap between his best and worst.
Has an accurate left foot which helped him lead the goalkicking in the under-19 VAFA competition with 57 goals from 19 games.
Old Xavier coach Dan Rush said “the club is certainly excited about his future”.
Oliver Depaoli-Kubank (Tas)
The talented Tasmanian earned a spot in the under-16 All-Australian squad after a series of strong performances.
In August he claimed the Alan McLean Medal as Best and Fairest of the Division 2 NAB AFL National Development Championships – U16 Boys.
Kaitlyn Srhoj (WA)
A Halls Head junior, Srhoj impressed for Peel in the WAFLW, becoming a solid performer in the senior ranks.
Her 21-disposal game against East Fremantle helped book her spot in the AFLW Academy for 2023.
Lachie Brooks (Vic)
The forward/midfielder has freakish talent.
Fast with the ball and strong, he excites the crowd and his Old Brighton team with his footy. He is clean with the ball with a great ability to pick up ground balls with ease.
A player to watch.
Hamish Wild (Vic)
A bull in the midfield who can also go forward and pinch hit in the ruck.
Has a good ability to win the ball and is a team orientated player. He is a consistent performer for Old Scotch who is likened to Patrick Cripps with the ability to go forward and take a mark.
Jacob Calabrese (WA)
The 16-year-old East Fremantle player is quickly making a name for himself in the west.
At 190cm and 75kg he already is building the frame to make it at a higher level, and the Bull Creek Leeming product was a member of the WA under-16 academy squad in 2022.
Marty Brereton (Tas)
Selected as captain of the Tasmania Devils under-16 squad for the National Development Championships, the Kingborough Junior Football Club product continues to impress.
At just 16 but 182cm, Brereton has a bright future after coming through the ranks.
Cohan Jeffrey (Tas)
In May Jeffrey joins Latrobe’s games record-holder Adam Jeffrey as becoming the club’s first father-son combo.
At 193cm and 94kg, the 17-year-old has the shape for senior footy and has been a member of the Tasmania Devils junior squads in recent seasons.
Spencer Anderson (Vic)
A tall midfielder who is strong overhead and is a running machine.
Anderson was in Old Melburnian’s best players more often than not in the VAFA under-19 competition.
He plays on the wing and in the guts at times. Similar to Isaac Smith.
Jorja Haberle (Tas)
Already an exciting talent, Haberle starred with 27 disposals, four marks and two clearances in a losing effort for Northern Tasmania in October’s AFLW Under 16 Championships against South.
The performance added to her reputation as a free-scoring player who brings an edge to any team she is part of.
Anthony De Lorenzi (Vic)
Could still be playing under-18 footy but became a regular feature for Oak Park.
Has a nice eye for goal with 21 goals in 18 matches.
Seb Francis-Perkins (Vic)
The young key position player was a key factor Old Eltham Collegians in 2022.
The 18-year-old stepped straight out of the Magpies under-17 team and into Collegians senior line-up with ease and held down centre half-back for much of the year. Played 16 games and earned seven mentions in the best.
Waylon Davey (NT)
Davey made strides in 2022, in part thanks for Eddie Betts’ all-star showing for Palmerston Magpies in the NT Premier League.
The Thunder under-16 academy player was hailed by his coach Josh Heath.
“He kicks goals from miraculous angles and does all that flashy stuff that you see, that Cyril Rioli-type things,” he told ABC in March.
Xavier Walsh (WA)
The Mt Lawley Inglewood JFC product did enough for East Perth to be selected in the WA under-16 side in 2022.
Already 193cm and 84kg, Trinity College product Walsh is deemed one rising talent to keep an eye on.
Kallopi Gikas (NT)
Another St Mary’s product, Gikas was selected for the 2022 NT Thunder Academy squad following a breakout showing in the inaugural Women’s Michael Long Cup and the AFLW Under-17 Championships in 2021.
A strong runner, Gikas can play along the wing and midfield.
Taima Thomas (Vic)
A good sized player who “dominates” football in Hamilton and has to play in the older under-15 age group.
He is an X factor who is very physical, takes marks and runs well.
Very quick and strong at breaking tackles. The Cavendish Bloods player is the son of former Melbourne footballer Brad Thomas.
James Mastropasqua (Vic)
The St Bernard’s forward is 180cm already at under-12 level.
His height is a major attribute, as shown at the national under-12 titles.
Able to be used in the ruck but coaches often throw him forward like AFL great Paul Salmon used to.
Neve Harding (Tas)
The Devonport talent has also impressed as an umpire in junior matches in recent years.
However the 15-year-old’s future looks to be in the thick of the action, winning selection in the Greater Northern under-16 squad in 2022.
Parker Fawcett (NT)
The St Mary’s youngster was tearing it up at under-18s level in 2022, evidenced by his selection NT News Rising Star nominee for Round 10 of the senior competition in December.
The key forward’s tackle pressure impressed Saints senior coach Anthony Vallejo.
“He’s got a mature head on young shoulders, and dominated the under-18s in the first few rounds so we were just waiting for the chance to play him,” Vallejo said.
Stanley Cox (NT)
An emerging young Nightcliff defender impressed senior coach Chris Baksh with his early foray into the senior ranks.
Cox played most of his footy in the under-18s last season, with a sprinkling of senior matches, but starred in his Premier League debut in the wet.
Mitchell Edwards (WA)
Already predicted to be a top ruck selection at the 2023 AFL Draft, the Peel Thunder talent established himself at high levels in 2022.
He was a bottom-ager for Western Australia and forged a strong tall partnership with Jackson Broadbent in the Thunder’s Colts premiership team.
Edwards is part of Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy.
Louis Hooper (Vic)
The Prahran Junior Football Club and Melbourne Grammar School half back flank is a promising player with a handy left foot who can intercept but also use the ball effectively out of defence.
A leader described as a “high end player” and a good kid by coach Leigh McQuillen.
Hooper is also school captain of Melbourne Grammar. Likened to Scott Pendlebury.
Caiden Cleary (NSW/ACT)
Another who looks set for the AFL draft in coming years, the 17-year-old Sydney University talent was chosen in the 30-player AFL squad.
Cleary has impressed for Newtown Swans in recent seasons, earning a spot in the Sydney Swans’ academy along the way.
Originally published as 100 Aussie rules juniors to watch across 2023 and you may not have heard of
Koori Knockout Day 2: Men’s results, day three fixtures, gallery
The big guns came to play as the men’s division took centre stage on day two of the Koori Knockout, setting up some massive day three clashes. See every result PLUS our gallery from the day.
REPLAY: North East wins it with a ‘towering header’ at the death
North East Football Club secured an extraordinary 1-0 win over Football Lab in the Sydney International Cup on Saturday. Check out all the replays from day 2 HERE.