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.
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.
