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.

6. Elijah Hewett

Local Western Australian talent Elijah Hewett has yet to make his mark on football just yet thanks to injuries. That's why with a presumed clean bill of health, it is so much easier to mark him down as a breakout candidate for the West Coast Eagles.

Selected with Pick 14 in 2022, Hewett brought in greater appeal outside of his locality for the Eagles. Hewett brings a scintillating blend of speed and class to the game that West Coast desperately need. Harley Reid also needs a running mate for the foreseeable future, as the Eagles are still in the process of handing the keys of the midfield over to a young brigade.

Despite his body letting him down, the Swans District product has been able to put together 14 games at AFL level. In those games, he has displayed a vernacular for contested possessions, in which 45.2% of his possessions are contested. A small sample size, sure, but that number is incredibly close to known engine room operators like Jai Newcombe and James Worpel whose percentages sit at 45.7 and 45.9 respectively.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 02: Elijah Hewett of the Eagles in action during the round 16 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and St Kilda Saints at Optus Stadium, on July 02, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Besides staying healthy, the next step of the soon-be 21-year-old will be finding more of the football and using it efficiently by foot. His 46.8% kicking efficiency just won't cut it.

Supported by veterans like Jack Graham and Elliot Yeo inside, we'll be keeping a close eye on his development and fit alongside Reid as the year progresses and he receives more midfield opportunities. For now, don't be surprised if we see him deployed off half-forward more often than not and tasked with an often unheralded high-pressure role.

Prediction: Hewett to lead West Coast in pressure acts for 2025.