AFL 2022: Five young guns who can step up at your club in 2022
New roles, fresh draftees and young guns ready to step up. Which players can emerge for your side this year? We have outlined five from every club.
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Which young stars are going to emerge for your club this year?
We aren’t talking about the established ones like Rising Star winners Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong and Sam Walsh.
Instead, it’s the draftees capable of breaking in, and the players under the age of 22 who can make their mark.
Some may have their hands on a senior spot that has previously eluded them, while others are flourishing in new roles.
Meanwhile, certain prospects are ready to step up to the plate after another year of development.
Find out the five emerging talents to watch at your club this season.
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ADELAIDE
Josh Rachele
Age: 18
Games: 0
Get excited Crows fans – Rachele is the player you have been crying out for since the departure of Eddie Betts, and he’s already committed until the end of 2025. The No. 6 pick gave us a sneak peek of what’s to come with three-goals, 17 disposals and five marks in his first match in Adelaide colours, where the powerful small forward was dangerous in the air and at ground level, despite the Crows’ lack of delivery. It’s going to be some first-year highlight reel.
Jake Soligo
Age: 19
Games: 0
Soligo has bolted into Round 1 contention off the back of an impressive first pre-season. The 180cm draftee is clean and composed with ball in hand, showing glimpses of these traits against Brisbane on a wing. Like Rachele, Soligo has extended his stay at West Lakes.
Riley Thilthorpe
Age: 19
Games: 14
Only the most talented youngsters can kick a bag of five in their first AFL game. Expect the athletic 201cm beast to go to another level in his second season, and he will be relied upon in the opening month in the absence of Taylor Walker. Could we see him used up on a wing at stages when Walker returns?
Sam Berry
Age: 20
Games: 17
More midfield time looms for Berry in his second year at the club, where his defensive pressure and contested ball winning will add to the Crows’ on-ball make-up. In a depleted Crows line-up, Berry attended 17 centre-bounces – equal second with Matt Crouch and Harry Schoenberg – against the Lions. The 20-year-old averaged four tackles per game along with nine touches last year, and we should see a rise in possessions in 2022.
Luke Pedlar
Age: 19
Games: 2
A first round selection in 20202, Pedlar is another young Crow vying for a spot in the Crows midfield. The big-bodied midfielder wins the ball at the coalface and can hit the scoreboard as a forward. He had a small stint in the senior side in 2021, but is set to feature more prominently this year.
BRISBANE
Darcy Wilmot
Age: 18
Games: 0
It was a promising first outing for Brisbane’s top pick in the club’s trial match, fitting in seamlessly with drive and ball-use off halfback – no mean feat considering he is the youngest player of the 2021 draft class. However, an overzealous sling tackle puts him out of Round 1 contention. copping a one-week suspension. But with running defenders an area of need for the Lions, it will only be a matter of time before we see Wilmot flying out of the back 50 at full tilt.
Keidean Coleman
Age: 21
Games: 21
A switch down back late last season would have excited Lions fans, with Coleman one of his side’s best in both their losing finals. The retirement of Grant Birchall means the speed and flare of Coleman is likely to be used out of defence in 2022. And he has already showed he can impact games with limited possessions as a forward.
Kai Lohmann
Age: 18
Games: 0
Speaking of excitement, Lohmann’s X-Factor is what saw the Lions pull off one of the surprises of the first night of last year’s draft. Lohmann’s speed and vertical leap makes him a dangerous asset as a forward, and he is capable of standing on heads. One to watch once he gets his debut.
Deven Robertson
Age: 20
Games: 17
The hard-nosed Lion took a step forward last year, featuring in 16 matches rotating between the forward and midfield. The return of Cam Rayner could hurt his midfield minutes, but there’s no questioning the intent of Robertson. He has the potential to become a gritty on-baller in time, after dominating as a midfielder as a junior.
Jaxon Prior
Age: 20
Games: 16
An unheralded player for the Lions last year, become a senior regular in his second season at the club. Prior is strong defensively at 189cm and is likely to continue flying under the radar in 2022.
CARLTON
Brodie Kemp
Age: 20
Games: 2
Supporters have been waiting patiently to see more of the Blues’ 2019 first round pick, and early indications suggest the versatile prospect will be used up forward this season. He showed good signs in the role, kicking a goal and leading up the ground in Carlton’s first practice game. Cruelled by injury in the early stages of his career, Kemp was slated as a top-10 draft pick before suffering ACL injury, so the 193cm utility has plenty of potential.
Jesse Motlop
Age: 18
Games: 0
Motlop has already been tipped to debut early by Blues footy boss Greg Williams. Coming from goalkicking bloodlines as the son of Port Adelaide and North Melbourne forward Daniel, the crafty forward kicked nine goals in eight matches as a 17-year-old for WAFL grand finalists South Fremantle. Having proved he can match it with bigger bodies, his goalkicking nous and crumbing at ground level should add some extra spark to Carlton’s forward half.
Corey Durdin
Age: 19
Games: 2
Durdin looks to be ahead Motlop and fellow youngster Josh Honey in the small forward pecking order after an encouraging practice match outing against St Kilda. The second-year forward is clean at ground level and applies strong defensive pressure, averaging four tackles per game at VFL level last year. He may be small in stature at 173cm, but he shapes as a key part of the Blues’ forward 50 plans in 2022.
Josh Honey
Age: 20
Games: 6
Had an immediate impact after stepping into the Blues line-up in Round 20 last year, booting multiple goals in three-straight games. Like the above names, Honey will be competing for the spot left by Betts, and his pinpoint set shots, pressure and crumbing should be called on at some stage.
Sam Philp
Age: 20
Games: 2
Philp’s 2021 campaign was over in May last year after an ongoing groin issue, but the midfielder has made positive strides this pre-season. Entering his third season, the speedster should add to his two games from his debut season of 2020.
COLLINGWOOD
Nick Daicos
Age: 19
Games: 0
The Magpies have a lot to look forward to in this father-son prodigy. Daicos has gone from strength to strength in his first pre-season despite limited exposure in his draft year, fitting in seamlessly in defence and at the coalface. His footy IQ and ball-use is already at AFL standard, and he is one of the leading contenders for the Rising Star award.
Jack Ginnivan
Age: 19
Games: 5
Ginnivan was one the surprise packets for Collingwood in its thumping practice match win, slotting three goals and setting up others in a lively display. It was a sure-fire sign the 185cm forward will be a senior regular in 2022, after kicking six majors in five matches last year. Ginnivan has an uncanny knack of finding the goals and possesses plenty of spark.
Charlie Dean
Age: 20
Games: 0
The winner of the VFL’s best young player award generally goes on to do good things at AFL, and Dean should be no exception. The door has been left wide open for the mature-age key defender with Jordan Roughead sidelined until at least Round 5 and all signs are pointing to an early debut., At 195cm with a ready-made frame, Dean reads the play beautifully in the air, averaging 8.2 intercepts for Williamstown in a breakout 2021 campaign.
Trent Bianco
Age: 21
Games: 12
The polished ball-user turned heads in his first two senior games for the club last season after an injury-interrupted start to his career. Bianco’s composure and silky skills should be on show for the Magpies in his third season and he will benefit from the exposure in 2021.
Finlay Macrae
Age: 19
Games: 9
Macrae looks to have added significant size over the off-season and the poised midfielder should have a greater influence in his second season. The brother of Bulldogs star Jack averaged 18 disposals and four marks upon his return to the side late in the season and there will be more improvement to come.
ESSENDON
Ben Hobbs
Age: 18
Games: 0
Any draftee would have their work cut out for them trying to break into this Bombers midfield, but it will only be a matter of time before Hobbs gets his chance. Dons fans caught a brief glimpse of the inside midfielder in their practice match, where he looked assured. With a strong-frame built for contested ball-winning, Hobbs is ready to go and will be a staple in the Essendon engine room for years to come.
Tex Wanganeen
Age: 18
Games: 0
A quarter was all it took for Wanganeen to earn himself a list spot and wow the Essendon faithful. The son of Bombers 1993 Brownlow medallist Gavin slotted two stunning goals under pressure after being unleashed in the final term. It is this forward half magic that the Bombers are crying out for, especially with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s return unknown. While Wanganeen lacked exposure due to injury and Covid-19 in his draft year, don’t be surprised if we see him feature early doors.
Nicholas Martin
Age: 19
Games: 9
Martin became a Bomber with far less fanfare than Wanganeen but his signing could be just as shrewd. A 190cm forward-wingman who works his way up the ground, Martin averaged 14.6 disposals and kicked 24 goals in the WAFL last season. After an impressive pre-season as a train-on player – the highlight being a four-goal haul in Essendon’s intra-club – the 20-year-old has put himself in the mix for Round 1.
Kaine Baldwin
Age: 19
Games: 0
Touted as one of the top talents in the 2021 draft pool before two serious knee injuries, Baldwin showed he possesses serious talent in Essendon’s opening practice game. Coming on after halftime, the key forward kicked a goal and was an imposing presence with his contested marking and bodywork. Baldwin could prove to be a recruiting gem after joining the Bombers via the supplemental selection period last year, and we should see him in action in 2022.
Archie Perkins
Age: 19
Games: 20
The next biggest takeaway besides Wanganeen from the Bombers’ practice game was the improvement of Perkins. A high-impact per possession player, Perkins finished with two goals and nine marks in an early sign the top-10 pick will go to another level this year.
FREMANTLE
Hayden Young
Age: 20
Games: 13
Young looms as the go-to guy in defence for the Dockers in 2022 with his elite kicking and sound decision making. A hamstring injury sidelined Young for three months last season but the 2019 top-10 selection shone with his intercepting and skills later in the year.
Neil Erasmus
Age: 18
Games: 0
The homegrown first-round selection is a strong body at the coalface and can be a dangerous threat up forward with his overhead marking and scoreboard impact. The Nat Fyfe replacement — in time.
Nathan O’Driscoll
Age: 19
Games: 0
O’Driscoll has just about locked away a Round 1 debut after an eye-catching pre-season that has gone from strength to strength. The 187cm midfielder, who can be used on the inside or the outside, starred as an onballer in match simulation and finished with 89 SuperCoach points in Fremantle’s first practice game.
Michael Frederick
Age: 19
Games: 20
Frederick put his name up in lights in Fremantle’s practice game, slotting five goals and finishing with a game-high 144 KFC SuperCoach points. The Dockers forward has been largely inconsistent to date, kicking nine goals in 17 matches, but big things could be on the way judging by that performance.
Liam Henry
Age: 20
Games: 20
Henry the wingman is set to be exciting experiment in 2022. Coach Justin Longmuir has flagged that the Dockers NGA graduate will be used up the ground this year – and his speed and footskills should suit the role.
GEELONG
Sam De Koning
Age: 20
Games: 1
Swingman De Koning has been earmarked as a possible replacement down back for the retired Lachie Henderson, and the athletic 202cm tall has added considerable size over the off-season. Could we see De Koning, who was solid in Geelong’s first practice game, become a senior regular in 2022?
Max Holmes
Age: 20
Games: 12
Holmes shapes as a point-of-difference in the Cats midfield with his breakneck speed. The former junior sprinter featured in eight matches in the second half of last year, two of those the semi and preliminary finals. Another AFL pre-season should see Holmes improve further, given Holmes also focused on athletics during his junior career.
Cooper Stephens
Age: 20
Games: 0
Stephens has been cruelled by a string of injuries, with that and Covid-19 keeping the 188cm midfielder on the sidelines. And while it is a difficult on-ball brigade to break into, expect the third-year Cat to be called on at some stage after a promising pre-season.
Francis Evans
Age: 20
Games: 2
Breaking in for an early two-goal debut last year, Evans is another Cat from their 2019 draft haul that is on the cusp of senior selection. Plucked from Victorian Amatur Football Association obscurity, the small forward could contend for a spot in the Cats forward line.
Mitch Knevitt
Age: 19
Games: 0
A 193cm midfielder with speed and a strong endurance base, Knevitt is one to watch later in the season. Knevitt thrives at stoppages with his size and contested ball winning, and can be used up forward as a marking target.
GOLD COAST
Matt Rowell
Age: 20
Games: 17 games
It’s an obvious pick, but Rowell’s first two seasons were heavily impacted by injury. The first selection of the 2020 draft came out firing with six clearances and 114 SuperCoach points in Gold Coast’s opening practice match. If his third year is anything like his first four games, look out.
Alex Davies
Age: 19
Games: 0
Departed Sun Hugh Greenwood touted Davies as his replacement, and the second year Sun’s imposing practice match display suggests he can fill the void left by Greenwood. Davies slotted two goals – one a set shot from outside 50 – and impressed as an inside midfielder against Port Adelaide. The 191cm midfielder won 60 per cent of his VFL possessions in a contest last year and should feature prominently in 2022.
Elijah Hollands
Age: 19
Games: 0
There was plenty of hype surrounding Hollands in KFC SuperCoach circles over the pre-season and while he may not be a certain Round 1 starter, there is reason to be excited about the 2020 top-10 pick. The dynamic midfielder-forward was sidelined with an ACL injury for the majority of last season but his 27-disposal, five clearance effort in his final VFL match last season showed what he is capable of.
Jeremy Sharp
Age: 20
Games: 11
Last season was just a taste of what the running machine can produce. Sharp recorded back-to-back 30 disposal games at the back-end of the season and he was among the Suns to impress in their practice match, slotting two majors. His relentless work rate and silky skills should see him nail down a spot in the Suns side this year.
Joel Jeffrey
Age: 19
Games: 11
Ben King’s season-ending injury could see the high-flying Jeffrey get a look in up forward. Debuting late last season after a whopping nine goal haul in the VFL, the athletic 192cm prospect kicked two goals in four matches. Jeffrey is a double threat with his marking and speed, and should feature more often in 2022.
GWS
Finn Callaghan
Age: 18
Games: 0
When a player is compared to Marcus Bontempelli, you take notice. At 191cm, the No. 3 pick has an array of weapons with his speed, agility and raking left boot, which are likely to be used on the outside early in his career. His first pre-season has been delayed by a foot injury but he will be a mouth-watering addition to the Giants’ talent-stacked midfield group in time.
Leek Alleer
Age: 20
Games: 0
Aleer, who broke the running vertical jump record at last year’s draft combine, is one to keep a close eye on in 2022. His first practice match in Giants colours was promising, showcasing his exceptional athleticism. Aleer was an intercept marking force in his breakout SANFL campaign last year and while the 20-year-old is still developing, his upside is enormous.
Ryan Angwin
Age: 19
Games: 0
A hard-running outside player, Angwin was set to debut at the end of last year but was sidelined by injury. The 2020 draft bolter, snared in the first round by the Giants, should get an opportunity at some stage this season.
Conor Stone
Age: 19
Games: 5
The 188cm prospect was used as a forward in his first season, having a limited impact in a tough role for a young player. But Stone’s impressive athleticism means we should see a greater output from him in 2022.
Cooper Hamilton
Age: 18
Games: 5
The rookie pick-up blitzed the Giants’ pre-season time-trial, smashing the club record by 18 seconds. It came after Hamilton recorded the second fastest 2km time at last year’s draft combine. Used all over the ground as a junior, Hamilton is another to keep tabs on at the Giants.
HAWTHORN
Josh Ward
Age: 18
Games: 0
Hawthorn’s top selection from last year’s draft hasn’t missed a beat since arriving at the club and is line to be unleashed in Round 1. The reliable midfielder makes good decision, has a strong endurance base and can be used in the centre square or on a wing. Ward put in a promising first practice match performance playing mostly on a wing. You can just about pencil in 200 career games for this kid already.
Denver Grainger-Barras
Age: 19
Games: 5
Grainger-Barras’ was kept on the sidelines for most of his first season due to a knee injury, but the signs were positive once he broke into the side in Round 15. The intercepting tall also showed signs of development in the Hawks’ practice match loss to Collingwood. Back in his draft year of 2020, Grainger-Barras averaged 7.4 intercept possessions and three intercept marks in the WAFL, and it is these kind of feats that he is capable of producing at senior level in the near future.
Connor MacDonald
Age: 19
Games: 0
MacDonald has rivalled Ward as the standout Hawks draftee this pre-season, impressing in match simulation and won his fair share of the footy against Collingwood. Like Ward, MacDonald was a prolific junior ball-winner, averaging 30 disposals and five clearances per game in the NAB League, and he shapes as an early debutant for the Hawks, with assistant coach Stephen Gilham saying he is “ready to go” on the practice match coverage.
Finn Maginness
Age: 21
Games: 3
The father-son prospect has managed three games in two seasons at the Hawks, but he appears set to take the next step in 2022. Maginness was a regular at centre bounces in the stronger side during Hawthorn’s practice match, and we know the Hawks time-trial king can run all day.
Jai Newcombe
Age: 20
Games: 6
Newcombe was perhaps the most impressive of the Hawthorn midfielders against the Magpies, bullocking his way through stoppages with his strong frame. The mid-season draftee is already known for the defensive side of his game – breaking the record for the most tackles in a debut match (14) – and early indications suggest we’ll see him step up his ball-winning.
MELBOURNE
Jake Bowey
Age: 19
Games: 7
The diminutive defender broke into the Demons side late in the year and never looked back, finishing with a premiership medallion around his neck after just seven AFL games. Possessing an elite kick and excellent decision-making, Bowey will be a delight for leading forwards Ben Brown and Tom McDonald in 2022.
Kade Chandler
Age: 22
Games: 2
Doesn’t quite the brief age-wise, but Chandler shapes as the most likely young player to break into the Demons’ premiership side. The small forward slotted two goals in Melbourne’s practice match, including a roost from halfway, and looks set to add to his two senior games in 2022.
Bailey Laurie
Age: 19
Games: 0
Taken with the selection after Bowey in 2020, Laurie had no luck with injury in his first season, managing just the two VFL matches. Laurie is a dynamic prospect with good footy smarts, and is another who could force his way in.
Jacob van Rooyen
Age: 18
Games: 0
Melbourne’s first selection of the 2021 draft may be more of a long-term proposition, but don’t rule out a debut this year from the strong-bodied swingman. Van Rooyen excelled at both ends with his strong overhead marking and physicality in his draft year, and has settled in attack in his first pre-season with the Demons.
Blake Howes
Age: 18
Games: 0
One of the 2021 draft’s big sliders, Howes has the athletic traits up to press his claims at some stage this season. The 190cm utility was played in a variety of roles at junior level and could fill a need if injuries strike at the Demons.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Jason Horne-Francis
Age: 18
Games: 0
The man to beat for the Rising Star, Horne-Francis has proved why he was crowned the No. 1 in November. Horne-Francis blitzed North Melbourne’s intra-club before putting together an eye-catching trial match against Melbourne, headlined by a crunching rundown tackle, where he was the third-ranked Roo on the ground. Expect Horne-Francis to turn games for the Kangaroos in just his first season.
Tom Powell
Age: 19
Games: 13
After missing the second half of last season with injury, Powell has come out with a bang this pre-season. The ball-winner won the third-most clearances on the ground and booted a goal in a promising hitout against Melbourne. Powell will be a regular at centre-bounces in 2022.
Will Phillips
Age: 19
Games: 16
Those who questioned North Melbourne’s strategy in selecting Phillips over talented key position prospect Logan McDonald might not be so critical after this season. Phillips, coming off a knee injury and a Covid-wiped draft year, still managed to feature in 16 games for the Roos in his debut season. His possession tallies and influence improved as the season went on, and both should continue to rise in 2022.
Josh Goater
Age: 18
Games: 0
Used as a rebounding defender and a tall inside midfielder at junior level, Goater appears set to start his career down back. And with Aaron Hall in doubt for Round 1 with a hamstring injury, the second-round pick could contend for an early season debut. Goater is an excitement machine with his speed, agility and exceptional vertical leap which should see him produce some eye-catching moments this year.
Charlie Comben
Age: 20
Games: 1
Comben made his long-awaited debut in the penultimate round last year, but his rotten injury luck continued, breaking his collarbone days later. However, the promising 199cm prospect has had a strong pre-season to date and should get his chance to partner Nick Larkey in the Roos forward line in 2022 at some stage.
PORT ADELAIDE
Josh Sinn
Age: 19
Games: 0
Sinn has been impressive for the Power this pre-season after the club traded up two spots to nab him in the first round in last year’s draft. The 188cm product’s line-breaking speed and defensive pressure have stood out, with Sinn putting his hand up for a Round 1 debut in an eye-catching internal trial. Coach Ken Hinkley’s show of faith to talented draftees in recent years should extend to Sinn.
Lachie Jones
Age: 19
Games: 6
Injury restricted Jones to six senior games in his first season, but that’s all it took for the defender to become a Power cult hero. Jones’ looks closer to 29-year-of-age than 19 with his solid frame and rugged mullet, and he showed he is willing to put his body on the line. His defensive frame of mind and ready-made build should hold him in good stead in his second season.
Jackson Mead
Age: 20
Games: 0
Mead missed 12 weeks and even spent time in intensive care after suffering a lacerated spleen, and the uncapped midfielder has made up for lost time this pre-season. The 20-year-old is closing in on a debut after promising efforts in match simulation and in the Power’s trial game..
Sam Hayes
Age: 22
Games: 0
Entering his fourth season, the ruckman is ready in the wings to make his debut and the departure of Peter Ladhams helps his cause. Hayes won 17 hitouts in a solid practice match outing, acting as Port Adelaide’s No.1 ruck when Scott Lycett went down with injury. Hayes had some imposing performances in the SANFL last year, suggesting he can slot when required.
Dylan Williams
Age: 20
Games: 1
Williams broke in for his senior debut late last season. The small forward averaged just under two goals per game in the SANFL in 2021 and should receive more opportunities in what will be his third season.
RICHMOND
Josh Gibcus
Age: 18
Games: 0
The key defender has been the standout draftee of Richmond’s ‘fab five’, holding his own against imposing key forward duo Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron in the Tigers’ trial match. Gibcus’ major asset is his intercept marking, which could be on show in Round 1 against the Blues.
Hugo Ralphsmith
Age: 20
Games: 5
Ralphsmith has put a solid case forward to partner Jayden Short as a rebounder this year after being trialled in defence this pre-season. Used as a pressure forward in 2021, Ralphsmith has shown promise in the new role with his line-breaking speed. Could he overtake Dan Rioli as the Bachar Houli replacement?
Maurice Rioli Jr
Age: 19
Games: 2
Another Maurice Rioli in a Richmond guernsey was enough to excite Tiger fans, but some eye-catching moments in his two games got supporters off their seats. The crafty small forward exceeded all expectations in 2021, and there should be more highlights to come this year.
Thomson Dow
Age: 20
Games: 7
Dow put in an impressive first trial match with enhanced midfield time, attending the fourth-most centre bounces for the Tigers. The 2019 first-round draftee showcased his burst from stoppages and attack on the ball against the Cats, appearing to have added some extra size to his frame. Dow should have a greater influence for the Tigers this year after averaging 17 touches in his last three matches of 2021.
Tyler Sonsie
Age: 19
Games: 0
We may not see Sonsie until later in the year, but there is no doubting his talent. Playing mostly in the second half of Richmond’s six-period practice match, Sonsie highlighted his credentials with 18 disposals and six clearances. Rated as a top-10 pick at the beginning of his year, Sonsie won 24 disposals and kicked two goals in a sparkling VFL debut for Box Hill last year, before a knee injury impacted his progress. He could prove to be a draft bargain for the Tigers in time after sliding to Richmond’s pick No. 28.
ST KILDA
Cooper Sharman
Age: 21
Games: 4
The mid-season draftee’s meteoric rise from the SANFL Reserves to the AFL culminated in a four-goal haul in the final match of the season. The athletic 193cm forward kicked 10 goals in just four games to finish the year and can add another dimension to St Kilda’s attack in 2022.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
Age: 19
Games: 0
The best kick in the draft, period. The nephew of Gavin Wanganeen has laser-like kicking on both sides of his body and matched it with senior bodies in the SANFL and SANFL Reserves in his draft year. The classy wingman will be great to watch once he breaks in and can fill a glaring need at the Saints.
Ryan Byrnes
Age: 20
Games: 17
Byrnes showed some encouraging signs for the Saints as a mid-forward last year, averaging 14.8 touches and eclipsing the 20 disposal-mark on three occasions. Out-of-contract at the end of the season, 2022 shapes as an important year for Byrnes.
Mitch Owens
Age: 18
Games: 0
Owens improved rapidly in his draft year after a major growth spurt and more significant development could come again in 2022. The 190cm Saints NGA graduate can be used in a variety of roles and shapes as a potential debutant at some stage in 2022.
Leo Connolly
Age: 20
Games: 7
Connolly racked up 11 disposals in a matter of minutes after being subbed on late in his debut against Richmond late last year. The 181cm defender played seven consecutive games including that promising performance as the super sub, and there’s a spot up for grabs in defence following Nick Coffield’s season-ending blow.
SYDNEY
Dylan Stephens
Age: 21
Games: 14
The talk out of Sydney is very positive about Stephens, who looks set to become a senior regular in 2022. The top-five selection from the 2019 draft has had limited opportunities to show his wares, but the wing role should be his for the Swans.
Angus Sheldrick
Age: 18
Games: 0
The injury to star Tom Papley should work in Sheldrick’s favour, given the big-bodied draftee has been training as a small forward this summer. Sheldrick slotted two goals in Sydney’s trial match against GWS, leaving the ultra-competitive 179cm product in with a sniff of an early debut.
Logan McDonald
Age: 19
Games: 7
In the last year of superstar Lance Franklin’s contract, Sydney fans will get a glimpse of the future with McDonald. The key forward kicked nine goals in seven senior games last year, to go with 12 majors in six VFL games. Considering he kicked 21 WAFL senior goals in just nine games his draft year, Swans fans have a lot to look forward to in the prized prospect.
Braeden Campbell
Age: 20
Games: 8
With the departure of Jordan Dawson, Campbell’s penetrating kick will be used more often out of defence or even up the ground in 2022. Yet another prized draft pick, expect the Swans Academy graduate to have a much greater influence in his second season.
Will Gould
Age: 21
Games: 0
Entering his third season, Gould will be vying to make his long-awaited debut for the Swans. The 191cm defender has improved his fitness since he arrived at Sydney, and averaged 16 touches and 6.5 intercept possessions in the VFL last season. If he does play, KFC SuperCoaches will be sure to jump on after plenty of hype.
WEST COAST
Campbell Chesser
Age: 18
Games: 0
Chesser will not feature until mid-season after an ankle blow in West Coast’s trial. The first-round prospect appeared destined for a Round 1 debut before the setback, and should inject some speed into the Eagles side when he breaks in.
Harry Edwards
Age: 21
Games: 11
Edwards stood up last year in the absence of other key defenders and could go to another level again in 2022. Standing 200cm, the 2018 rookie draft selection averaged two intercept marks and seven spoils per game. With nothing going the Eagles way this pre-season, Edwards may be relied upon more this year.
Bailey Williams
Age: 21
Games: 9
Williams is another who should receive increased opportunity with key forward Jack Darling’s career in doubt. The ruck/forward has managed nine games across the past two seasons and can provide a marking presence inside 50 along with ruck support for Nic Naitanui.
Luke Edwards
Age: 20
Games: 8
The son of Adelaide great Tyson Edwards (and not the brother of Harry) burst onto the scene with an exceptional 27-disposal display in just his second game against the Tigers. But from there the midfielder was in and out of the side and didn’t get much continuity. With Eagles midfielders dropping like flies, Edwards should benefit from more senior games and midfield minutes.
Brady Hough
Age: 18
Games: 0
Hough starred in his sole WAFL game in his draft year, tallying 22 disposals, nine marks, a goal and 114 SuperCoach points. He featured in the Eagles practice game on limited minutes in a sign he is on the cusp of the Eagles side. The 190cm draftee is versatile, which works in his favour.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Age: 19
Games: 5
Ugle-Hagan had little influence in his first trial game but the No. 1 pick of the 2020 draft has stacks of talent. This year shapes as an important one for the 197cm key forward after Josh Bruce’s serious knee blow at the end of last season. And from all reports he has been training the house down in his second pre-season.
Sam Darcy
Age: 18
Games: 0
An ongoing stress fracture will sideline Darcy until the midway point of his first season. It means the exciting 205cm tall is unlikely to feature at AFL level this year as he develops. But Bulldogs fans will be keeping a close eye on the son of Luke Darcy no matter what level he plays. He shapes as a unique talent with his athleticism, versatility and overhead marking.
Arthur Jones
Age: 18
Games: 0
Jones has come on in leaps and bounds since bolting onto the draft scene late last year with an impressive national carnival for Western Australia. Playing on a wing in the Bulldogs’ practice game, Jones proved he has some tricks with his elite agility and speed, tallying 10 disposals, three marks in a half of gametime. One who could surprise in 2022.
Lachie McNeil
Age: 20
Games: 13
Luke Beveridge loves his role players and along with fellow mature-age acquisition Anthony Scott, McNeil became a senior regular in the first half of 2021. However, McNeil featured just once after Round 11. The 184cm forward applies pressure inside 50 and should get more chances to press his claims in 2022.
Buku Khamis
Age: 21
Games: 1
The athletic defender showed promise in his first senior game with 11 touches but was unsighted for the remainder of the season. Khamis averaged 8.6 intercept possessions and 3.9 intercept marks in the VFL last season and his reading of the play could be called upon in his fourth season.
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Originally published as AFL 2022: Five young guns who can step up at your club in 2022
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