YOUNG GUNS FIRING UP
Forget Nat Fyfe, Dustin Martin and Patrick Dangerfield.
The next generation of stars are ready to make their mark on the AFL, following breakthrough years or having just arrived via the draft.
Breakout starts excite fans and can propel their teams to greater heights than many would expect.
Last year, Sam Walsh produced a tremendous debut season, the midfielder thrilling Carlton fans and giving the Blues something to build around.
He claimed the Rising Star Award ahead of Port Adelaide forward Connor Rozee and Richmond excitement machine Sydney Stack.
They impressed in their debut seasons, something Gold Coast Suns pair Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson – the top two picks in the 2019 draft – and Fremantle defender Hayden Young will be aiming to replicate.
Others took giant leaps but still have room to grow, with Hugh McCluggage having played a key role as Brisbane surprised in 2019.
Aaron Naughton gave Western Bulldogs fans reasons to be excited, Hawthorn duo James Worpel and Mitch Lewis reached new heights and Andrew McGrath’s growth at Essendon continued.
Not only can the development of young stars give clubs and fans hope looking to the future, it may also lead to quicker rises up the ladder.
It was once Fyfe, Martin and Dangerfield. Now, another generation is ready to make headlines by following in their footsteps, or having huge impacts in their first seasons.
Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane)
McCluggage was a breakout star as Brisbane surprised by finishing second on the ladder before a straight-sets finals exit. Taken with the third pick in the 2016 draft, the midfielder has been a consistent improver each season.
It was a strong 2019 for you. How do you look back on it?
It was good to improve on my first two
