Each AFL season produces a new wave of emerging talent, with young players taking significant strides as they establish themselves at the top level.
Whether it's a first-year player, a former high draft pick beginning to fulfil their potential, or an underrated player ready to take on a bigger role, every club has someone poised to make a major impact.
Here is every club's bolter for season 2027.
Adelaide
Huge Hall-Kahan
Mid-season draftee Hugo Hall-Kahan has risen rapidly for the Crows since joining them only 10 weeks ago. While he didn't play at AFL level during his time with the Swans, he has played eight games for the Crows side and already averages 19.4 disposals, 4.1 marks and 2.3 tackles per game. Hall-Kahan kicked his first AFL goal against Essendon and looks every chance to cement a spot in the side for next season. Crows fans have plenty to be excited about.
Brisbane
Logan Morris
Yes, Morris has played 64 games since debuting in 2024, and already has two flags next to his name, but the extraordinary thing is he is still only 21 years of age. Morris has exploded this season, kicking 47 goals including a seven-goal haul against Gold Coast, and only failing to get on the scoreboard twice this year.
He currently sits in seventh spot on the Coleman Medal Leaderboard up to Round 22. Despite only being early in his career, Morris is one of the league's best young key forwards and has kicked 124 goals already. He played a key role in Brisbane's back-to-back flags and can hopefully play his part for them as their number one key forward in 2027 and beyond.
Carlton
Harry Dean
Absolute star in the making. Harry Dean, son of two-time premiership Carlton player Peter Dean, has taken the AFL world by storm this season. He has been praised by many for his ability to read the play and place himself in the best spots to impact the game, something not often seen by young backmen.
Ex Adelaide Crows captain Rory Sloane weighed in on Dean's performances on Footy Classified, believing he will be the NAB Rising Star ahead of teammate Jagga Smith. “Defence wins premierships and games, and I value that position”, Sloane said.
“He is the rising star for me; some of his scalps this year have been incredible.”
Having the likes of Jacob Weitering and Nick Haynes alongside him can only help grow the young defender into a key position player for years to come and become a top player next season.
Collingwood
Collingwood's list has been criticised for most of the year about its youth stocks, but after making his debut in Round 15, Swadling looks primed to become a regular either in Collingwood's midfield or wing next season.
The hard-running teenager has impressed so far at AFL level, kicking a goal in four of his five games, but hasn't been selected regularly in the side. In the VFL, he has shone week in and week out, accumulating 40 against ladder leaders Geelong last week, making a case for selectors to pick him. While opportunities have been limited for the young Pie, he has shown enough to suggest he can become an important piece for the future.
With another pre-season under his belt and more experience at the level, expect the 19-year-old to push for consistent games in 2027.
Essendon
Dyson Sharp
One of the most exciting young midfielders on Essendon's list, Sharp has all the tools to become a genuine star for the club. He has shown glimpses of why the Bombers rate him so highly, averaging just above 16 disposals and having more than 20 in the past three weeks; the 19-year-old looks comfortable at AFL level. With another year of development and greater midfield opportunity if Zach Merrett decides to leave, next season looks as though one where he will cement himself in the side's best 22.
Fremantle
Murphy Reid
Murphy Reid has taken his game to another level in 2026, but the question is how high can he go. The 20-year-old recommitted earlier this year to the Dockers until 2032, and there is obviously potential for the young superstar to turn into a legend like Fyfe before him. He has already gotten accolades including the Telstra AFL Rising Star, AFLPA best first-year player, Glendinning-Allan medal (youngest player in Fremantle history to win the derby best on ground medal) and 22 under 22 team selection in 2025 and soon to be 2026. He is currently ranked above average in disposals, kicks, handballs and goals and has not even reached the 50-game mark yet. His influence can only grow significantly in season 2027, and a premiership may be on its way this season.
Geelong
Jay Polkinghorne
“The Dragon”, as he has become known by the Geelong faithful, Polkinghorne has quickly become a goal sneak. In only three games in 2026 (the last three weeks), he has booted seven goals, including a bag of three straight and has impressed with his strength in marking contests and aerial ability. Teammate Mark O'Connor praised Polkinghorne after his game against Collingwood, believing he had been too stiff to debut earlier. “He has had some massive games like that in the VFL”, O'Connor said. “So we are delighted to have him in… it's great to see.” With finals matches on the cards for him this season, it wouldn't be a surprise if he becomes a permanent player for Geelong's side next season and has a 30+goal year.
Gold Coast
Leo Lombard
Lombard played just four games in his first injury-halted season at the Suns, but has since played 20 so far in season 2026, showing why the club was eager to secure the highly rated academy product. The teenager hasn't burst onto the scene so far like many thought he would, but the upside is definitely there to cement a half-forward spot, having kicked 14 goals for the year so far. The 19-year-old is continuously building his game and can hopefully assert himself as one of the AFL's most exciting small forwards in the next few years.
GWS
Harvey Thomas
Harvey Thomas has quietly developed into an important player for the Giants and looks as though he could take another significant step forward. He consistently applies pressure around the ground and has only failed to get less than 15 disposals twice in 19 games this season. At only 20 years old, the Giant has already played in a final, proving he belongs at AFL level. He has continued to improve each year since debuting in 2024 and has gained the skills and attributes needed to hopefully enjoy a career-best season next year.
Hawthorn
Noah Mraz
An injury-riddled career so far for Mraz has halted his opportunities; however, the 20-year-old has proved he has what it takes in the four AFL matches he has played in. In his very first game, the young defender racked up a game-high 12 marks to go with 16 disposals. Mraz looks set to become a key pillar for the Hawks backline for years to come, and an uninterrupted pre-season should give him confidence to go into next year as a player to watch.
Melbourne
Joel Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald was picked up by Melbourne with selection number 16 in this year's mid-season rookie draft, and the 22-year-old has taken the opportunity to play at the senior level enormously. He has emerged as a major ball winner following a move from defence into the midfield and is, after only seven games, averaging over 21 disposals at AFL level. Demons coach Steven King praised Fitzgerald, saying he does not look out of place at all. “The form he's in around finding the footy, contributing, his strong body meant he didn't look out of place at all in there," King said. "That's going to add significant depth to our midfield moving forward; he looked really comfortable at the level”. By this time next year, he could be one of the Dees first choice inside mids rather than just a depth option.
North Melbourne
Cooper Trembath
Another mid-season draftee from 2025 who continues to impress in 2026. As North Melbourne's young list continues to develop, Trembath could be one of its biggest improvers next season. The athletic key forward has shown encouraging signs with his aerial ability and currently sits a goal behind Jack Darling in 4th for most goals kicked this season for the Roos with 28. Surrounded by an emerging young Kangaroos group including Harry Sheezel, Colby McKercher and Finn O'Sullivan as well as Nick Larkey, Jack Darling and Paul Curtis up forward, Trembath looks as though he is set for more responsibility. If he continues his progression into next year, he'll establish himself as an important pillar in North's forward line.
Port Adelaide
Josh Lai
A great discovery for Port this season across the halfback line, Lai has gone from strength to strength. Having spent the 2025 season as a Power rookie, he was then elevated to the primary list at the start of 2026 and made his debut in Round 3, impressing against West Coast. He has gone on to play every game for the Power since shining in Round 16, having 13 disposals and 10 marks in a showdown win against the Crows. Still under the radar for his performances this year, the 20-year-old is averaging more than five marks a game, and if Port continue to trust him with intercept responsibilities, he could establish himself as one of the competition's better young rebounding defenders.
Richmond
Sam Lalor
Injury has halted Lalor's start to his AFL career, but being one of Richmond's brightest young stars, he looks capable of exploding into one of the competition's elite young midfielders. Comparisons to Tigers legend Dustin Martin have been made as Lalor looks powerful in stoppages and has shown he can influence games, kicking a goal in every match he has played this year bar one. He has only astonishingly played 21 matches and if he continues his rapid development, don't be surprised if he earns wider league recognition in 2027 alongside some Jack Dyer Medals.
St Kilda
Hugo Garcia
He only met with three clubs in 2023 and was taken with pick 50 at the draft, but Hugo Garcia has quickly become one of the most improved players this year. He has gradually gotten better throughout the year, as shown through his impact at centre bounces. Attending the most of all St Kilda players, 405 so far, proving the upside Ross Lyon has for the 21-year-old. Pay attention to him in the off-season because he is set to play an even bigger role, and can become one of the Saints' most important midfield contributors if he isn't already.
Sydney
Jai Serong
Jai Serong's fifth season in the AFL has shown he is ready to take the next step in 2027. The young defender has slowly found his place in Sydney's best side across half back after being unable to break through for regular opportunities at Hawthorn. He only managed 10 AFL games in four seasons at the Hawks, but having won two best and fairests in their VFL, he knew his talents were better elsewhere, and he has proved that throughout 2026. He is currently above average in makes per game, five, and looks poised to take another leap next season to become an even more important role player for the Swans.
West Coast
Marcus Herbert
The Eagles' rebuild over the past few seasons has created several opportunities for young players, and mid-season draft addition Marcus Herbert has taken full advantage. The exciting youngster has impressed with his clean skills and confidence to take the game on across half back, culminating in consecutive 30-plus disposal games in the last two weeks. As the club continues to develop its next generation of players, Herbert looks well placed to become a regular in the side.
Western Bulldogs
Cooper Hynes
Hynes has quietly emerged as one of the Bulldogs' most exciting young prospects. Comfortable playing through the midfield or across half forward, the 20-year-old was a shining light in their loss to Fremantle last week, racking up a career-high 22 disposals and 2 goals. While opportunities have been competitive in Beveridge's side, every appearance has highlighted his potential, allowing him to play 18 games so far. Hynes looks capable of becoming one of the Bulldogs' breakout players in 2027.
