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 โ€˜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.

5. Oliver Hollands

Pick 11 in 2022 - Oliver Hollands - has firmly established himself in Carlton's best side early in his career. The hard-running winger has been hinted to have a change of role in the upcoming season, which could see a large uptick in his production on the field. Prior to the Nic Newman injury, Hollands was earmarked to be taking on a half-back distributing role. With Newman out for most - if not all - of the season, that need is greater than ever. 

While the former Murray Bushranger has some ways to go to match the class of his injured teammate, his tireless motor and two-way running are going to benefit him greatly in the new role. All while providing Carlton with a new outlet for handball receives, a job usually trusted with the likes of Sam Walsh and Adam Saad.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: Oliver Hollands of the Blues in action during the 2023 AFL match simulation between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at Ikon Park on February 24, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Hollands has never been afraid to attack the game by boot either and was fifth among Rising Stars for metres gained in 2023. 2024 saw more opportunity for Blake Acres while Hollands worked the far side of the wing.

Hollands currently averages a modest 14 disposals at 73.3% disposal efficiency. We expect those numbers to bump up closer to 20 disposals and 75% efficiency as he takes kick-ins and is trusted to set up more attacks for Carlton, which could solidify his breakout candidacy. Averaging three score involvements a game as a winger, we could see that number reach somewhere closer to the 5.1 that Dayne Zorko averaged last season as an All-Australian. It's a lofty standard, but one that will be imperative to Carlton's flag hopes in 2025.

Prediction: Hollands leads Carlton for handball receives in 2025.