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.
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.
