A host of players across the competition are enjoying career-best seasons, with some still in the early years of their development, while others are ageing like fine wines.

While the AFL doesn't have a 'Most Improved Player Award' like other codes across the globe, there are plenty who would be worthy winners of that title in 2025.

At the midway mark of the season, we've identified the most improved players to start the AFL season.

So, here's our selected 'most improved' 22 for the season so far...

3Forwards

Roos pair earn nods as Magpie extends run in pole position: AFL Rookie Rankings
HOBART, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Debutant, Paul Curtis of the Kangaroos kicks the ball during the 2022 AFL Round 06 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Geelong Cats at Blundstone Arena on April 24, 2022 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The first name that will come to mind among the most improved forwards this year is Gold Coast's Ben Long, who was struggling for a game at St Kilda not long ago.

The pressure forward has booted 23 goals in 10 games this season, kicking at least one major in every appearance to be an important asset for coach Damien Hardwick.

North Melbourne's Paul Curtis is enjoying a stellar season with the Kangaroos, ranking in the top 10 of the competition for goals per game with a mean of 2.4.

St Kilda's Jack Higgins is going at a similar rate, kicking 29 goals in his dozen appearances to place his name in the mix for All-Australian selection.

Young Tigers forward Seth Campbell is thriving in a deeper role than when he started at Punt Road, with his pressure and pace a headache for the opposition.

As for the tall forwards, Adelaide's Riley Thilthorpe is hard to overlook, having recorded 27 goals and assisted a further 14, with his combined tally of 41 only beaten by Coleman Medal leader Jeremy Cameron (38 and 7) and in-form Collingwood goalsneak Jamie Elliott (33 and 10), with the latter making this team after having four matches with at least five majors.

Sidelined Western Bulldogs youngster Sam Darcy was arguably the game's best forward before his knee injury, with the setback not putting a line through his prospects of making this side.

Darcy's teammate Rhylee West is another who has taken a leap from last year, and while he may not have the goal tally to rival others, his pressure in the front half of the field is almost unmatched.

Brisbane forward Logan Morris has taken his game to new heights off the back of a premiership-winning rookie campaign, booting 20 goals for the season to date.