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.
8. Ed Allan
Collingwood may not publicly be screaming out for some youth to knock down the doors into the senior side, but fans certainly are and none look more promising than Ed Allan. Allan logged his first two senior games for the Pies and averaged a steady 14 disposals and four tackles in 2024.Â
Without much AFL exposure, much of what we can analyse comes through the VFL. So far through 33 VFL games, Allan has averaged 19.6 disposals, 2.5 marks, 3.4 tackles and has kicked eight goals. These aren't exactly standout numbers, and they don't necessarily have to be. Especially for a Collingwood midfield that already has its A-grade talents in Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey and just needs players to play complementary roles for the time being.
Ideally for the Magpies, Allan develops into that next star, but there isn't a rush just yet. Instead, the former Claremont youngster should be given time to hone his craft at AFL level, splitting time between the wings and on the inside.
The former Pick 19 selection debatably has the weakest case statistically to suggest a leap is on the way. Instead, a pure need for growth from young talent for the Pies and the opportunity to take hold of it is the driving factor for him being selected.
Everyone hates to see a club legend forced out of the side, but if Collingwood are going to continue to battle for finals positions for the foreseeable future, the Magpies will need someone like Allan to force coach Craig McRae to be ruthless at selection and keep him on.
Prediction: Allan plays 15+ games for the Pies and forces a beloved veteran out of the side.
