The 2022 AFL Season has been rich in feel-good, heartwarming moments since the beginning of the year and amongst a lot of negativity circling the AFL world, it seems right to look back on some of the best moments from this season thus far.
From players returning from injury to goals after the siren, we here at Zero Hanger have compiled a list of 10 of the very best stories of the year.
This list is in no particular order and is here to reflect on some of the best moments and, as always, let us know which is your favourite from this season.
Mid-Season Draftees make their mark
The 2022 Mid-Season Draft is already one of the most impressive after just over a month since the 17 names were read out on June 1st.
As expected, the draft came with some sensational stories of resilience, perseverance and, of course, immense talent.
We've already seen six of the 17 players make their AFL debuts in Hawthorn's James Blanck, Carlton's Sam Durdin and Will Hayes, Essendon's Massimo D'Ambrosio, Port's Brynn Teakle and Collingwood's Josh Carmichael.
On top of this, a few of the others wouldn't be too far away from an AFL debut, whether it is the end of this season or the start of next.
Number one pick Jai Culley was an emergency for West Coast last week, while GWS' Wade Derksen had also been named as an emergency in recent weeks.ย Sydney's Hugo Hall-Kahan has been super impressive in the VFL, as with Brett Turner in the SANFL for Adelaide.
Other names like Oskar Faulkhead (Gold Coast), Jye Menzie (Essendon), Kallan Dawson (North), Max Ramsden (Hawks), Jacob Bauer (Richmond), Zane Williams (Geelong) and Sebit Kuek (Fremantle) are also impressive talents and could easily feature for their side in the near future.
These players have faced the hard way into AFL programs and there's nothing better than seeing these draftees make their name on the big stage.
No doubt next year will also provide an array of these great stories and immense talents.
