The 2022 AFL Draft class is shaping up and becoming more promising with every day that passes. Possessing a variety of talents, the class of ‘22 has certainly provided clubs and playing lists with a service that clubs will be hoping to hold onto for the entirety of their playing careers.
While some stars have already emerged and established themselves, like Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft and North Melbourne's very own duo of Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw, the class still has the potential to deliver on more of the promise it entailed.
This article explores eight players we believe are ready to take a leap, matching a prediction for each of them heading into the 2025 season.
3. Bailey Humphrey
With Damien Hardwick at the helm, comparisons from his former side and current Gold Coast side have followed. Part of this has been identifying the next Dustin Martin. Bestowed with that title since his draft year has been Bailey Humphrey, who showed game-breaking glimpses and moments of genius in his rookie year. Unfortunately, Humphrey faced the dreaded sophomore slump and had a dogged time in 2024 that saw him take on the sub role on seven different occasions.
Nearing 50 games for a Suns side looking to break through for a first finals appearance, Humphrey is putting the pressure on his fellow teammates to lock down his spot in their best side in what is set to be a tightly contested position with mainstays such as Ben Ainsworth and Nick Holman, alongside exciting talent Jake Rogers and draftee Leo Lombard all battling for a spot.
What separates the Gippsland Power product from this group is the multifaceted game that he has displayed. He has recorded 10+ contested possessions on five occasions and saw him kick goals in four of them, including a five-goal haul that was coupled with 16 possessions in a 2024 win against Geelong.
Humphrey has shown he is more than capable of breaking a game apart from the inside, which is something the previously mentioned names don't quite have in their arsenal.
While inconsistency in output and role have plagued the star on the rise so far, Humphrey could slot into a high-half forward role similar to the likes of Dylan Moore and bring a greater stability to his game. Once he's settled, look out.
Prediction: Humphrey kicks 35 goals this season as the Suns make their finals debut.
