Local footy’s best young talents ahead of season 2024
Melbourne’s footy fields are set to be taken over by the next generation of stars – here are just some of the up and comers to keep an eye on in season 2024.
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The next generation of local footy stars are ready to make their mark in season 2024.
Ahead of the ball being bounced to start the new season, we’ve some of the best young prospects you need to keep an eye on this season.
EASTERN
Sahaf Ali, East Ringwood
Damaging and exciting as a midfielder and forward, Ali has stood up in some big moments for the ‘Roos in 2023 – including their last-gasp win over Noble Park with two final-quarter goals dragging his side over the line. He’s stepped away from VFL and is back full-time for East Ringwood this season.
Brock Coleclough, Rowville
One of the competition’s brightest young talents, the in-and-under midfielder is as tough as they come and very rarely loses a one-on-one contest. Premiership player for Rowville in 2023.
Darcy Jones-Hughes, Doncaster East
The 20-year-old midfielder didn’t look out of place among a team stacked with ex-AFL and VFL talent. Played every home-and-away match in Eastern’s top division for 10 mentions in the best, while also cracking a VFL game for GWS last year.
Tyreece Leiu, South Belgrave
Split his time between the Saints and the state league with Carlton last year, with 12 appearances at local level for seven mentions in the best. The versatile 194cm talent was overlooked at the 2021 draft, but later won an opportunity with the Blues’ VFL outfit, playing 12 matches in his debut season in 2022. A tough match-up for most at 90-odd kg.
Mitch Mellis, Boronia
The midfielder claimed the Division 2 best and fairest last season at just 22, and was a key part of a Boronia outfit which lost just one match on the way to the flag.
ESSENDON DISTRICT
Costa Detsikas, Moonee Valley
An impressive first full season of senior footy in 2023 after booting 36 goals in 17 games.
Matt Foley, Strathmore
On Essendon’s VFL list this season, when available for Strathmore, Foley is going to be one of his side’s most exciting players.
Jason Kenneth, Greenvale
Set for his second season at the Jets, the former Westmeadows man continues to build an exciting career.
Blake Polley, Craigieburn
Superb in his first senior year and looks set to play a big role once again.
Blake Tirchett, Sunbury Kangaroos
Locked down a place in the Division 2 contender’s side last season and looks set to develop further alongside some experienced recruits.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Justin Barnes, Rye
Possesses great running capacity and can play on a wing or up forward. Good skills and courage, can take a strong mark and clean by hand and foot.
Jackson Burke, Karingal
The son of Bulls legend Michael Burke, Jackson played 13 senior games last year, even though this will be his first year of under 19s. Got himself super fit and is strong after a summer in the gym. Good ball user, on both sides of his body, and strong in a contest.
Nick MacDonald Girolami, Mt Eliza
Has found his place as a key back playing on any number of opponents, both big and small. He has great athleticism, is a strong mark and a great field kick. His development into a big bodied mid is the next move as opportunity presents.
Max Urwin, Pines
Has blossomed over the past two years, plays off half back, really good ball user, very fit, averages 15km a game, defends well, really coachable.
Callum McNair, Rosebud
A 190cm teenage wingman who reads the game really well and has a great set of hands.
Mitch Harvey, Frankston Bombers
Has switched clubs after developing nicely at Seaford where he averaged close to 25 touches a game last season. Like his famous uncle Robert Harvey, Mitch has excellent endurance, the ability to run all day and he’s a good decision maker, composed with the ball and doesn’t blaze away.
NORTHERN
Josh Hamilton, North Heidelberg
A revelation last season in his first season of senior football. The damaging halfback was rewarded with a VFL debut for North Melbourne in Round 22 and kept his spot for the wildcard final. Has signed for Northern Bullants for 2024.
Lachlan Potter, South Morang
Injury cruelled his AFL Draft chances in 2019 and he’s lit up the Northern league ever since. The 23-year-old has earned Team of the Year honours in three consecutive seasons and finished third in last season’s Division 2 league best-and-fairest.
Angus Seivers, Greensborough
The 20-year-old is among the best key defenders in the Northern league and was recognised with Team of the Year honours last season. It’s led to a VFL contract at Collingwood.
Riley Vincent. Mernda
Arguably the best key defender in NFNL Division 3 and all at 22 years old. Kept league-leading goalkicker Matt Williamson to just one goal in three matches and will again be a key player if Mernda are to claim the premiership.
Maykaylah Appleby, Diamond Creek Women’s
Hard to believe the 19-year-old isn’t on an AFLW or even VFLW list. Won the NFNL Division 1 Women’s league best-and-fairest and finished third in the Coaches’ MVP last season.
OUTER EAST
Noah Van Haren, Emerald
Made his senior debut in 2022 as a 16-year-old. Reads the play well and his defensive game is excellent for his size. Possesses pace and can take a mark.
Harry Van Durren, Wandin
Played only three years of football but has become one of the most effective wingmen in the competition. Elite runner who impacts at both ends and regularly hits the scoreboard.
Sam Wicks, Upwey Tecoma
His physicality and game awareness make him one of the best young mids in the league.
Cooper Colee, Mt Evelyn
Lightning quick, highly skilled and tenacious competitor.
Ned Ford, Olinda Ferny Creek
The teenager is a clever forward who knows how to kick a goal.
RIDDELL
Darcy Lockens, Romsey
Captained Gisborne to an under-18s premiership in 2022 before stepping up to senior football with Romsey in 2023. Shone at the level, playing every game, as the Redbacks made a run to the RDFNL semi-finals and was rewarded with the league’s Turner Medal as the best player under 23.
Dylan Jobson, Melton Centrals
Arrived at Centrals looking for more senior football and took the opportunity with both hands. Finished second in the RDFNL league goal kicking in his first season, booting 44 majors, and was named full forward in the Team of the Year.
Brodie Gilchrist, Wallan
Already one of Wallan’s most consistent players but Gilchrist took his game to a new level in 2023 to earn Team of the Year honours. Was named in the Magpies’ best in their semi-final and preliminary finals.
SOUTHERN
Lochie Benton, Dingley
While still eligible for an under-19 permit last season, Benton was the Dingoes’ most reliable player. He took out Dingley’s best and fairest after a super 2023 campaign. Benton has won a list spot at Sandringham Dragons but a back injury will delay his start to the season.
Eren Soylemez, Port Melbourne Colts
Soylemez is a star on the rise. He’s a cunning small forward who loves the big moments. He will be hugely important to the Colts this season.
Jake Robinson, Skye
Robinson was unveiled as Skye’s youngest-ever debutant last year and he didn’t disappoint, bringing the house down with a major on debut. He has a bright future, particularly once he matches the frame of those around him at senior level.
Rex Kilburn, Cheltenham
Kilburn might not have kicked a goal in Cheltenham’s rollicking final quarter in last year’s grand final, but his role in it was potentially more important. The young star held his composure to get the Rosellas within five goals – breaking a drought of 11 straight minor scores – a second before the three-quarter time siren. The rest, as they say, is history.
Luke Long, Frankston Dolphins
Long has played senior footy for a number of years now and should come into his own as a 21-year-old this season. The left-footer is at his best when playing a quarter-back role.
VAFA
Kai Dimattina, Old Brighton
After making his senior debut last year, Dimattina went onto play 13 games and earn five mentions in the best. Played across halfback and on the wing.
Luke Kennedy, Ormond
Took out the club’s best-and-fairest last season as a teenager and has now earned a place on the Sandringham Dragons list.
Robert Larcher, St Kevin’s
Played 21 senior games last year as he became an important piece of the St Kevin’s side.
Rogan Kitts, Oakleigh
The youngster will be looking to take his game to another level after playing a key role in his side’s run to the grand final in 2023.
Bailey Ace Payze, Old Peninsula
Finished as his side’s leading goalkicker last season with 34 majors.
WESTERN
Kobe Cikala, Yarraville Seddon
An exciting prospect who took big strides in his career last year.
Ethan Di Battista, Werribee Districts
The young defender held down a place in a premiership back six last season and looks set to play on some of the opposition’s best forwards again.
Max Rouvray, Point Cook
The 21-year-old finished as the Division 1 leading goalkicker last season and looks set to go to another level.
Tom Stelluto, West Footscray
The young forward has an exciting future ahead of him after booting 42 goals last season. Included in the Roosters’ leadership group.
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