Young talent continues to surge across the AFL, with several clubs now building cores that will shape the competition over the next decade.
Using players aged 22 or under for the 2026 season, we've ranked the top five teams based on the quality and upside of their emerging talent.
1Gold Coast
Bailey Humphrey is the Suns' standout under-22 player, already proving himself as a powerful mid-forward capable of having a serious impact at AFL level.
Jake Rogers adds spark at ground level, with the speedy small forward showing class, composure and an ability to make things happen in the front half.
The Suns' youth stocks were further bolstered at last year's draft, with Zeke Uwland, the club's first selection, arriving as a highly skilled utility. Uwland's strong running capacity and elite foot skills give Gold Coast valuable flexibility across half-back or on the wing.
Up forward, academy products Ethan Read and Jed Walter appear to be long-term key-forward options, giving the Suns a potent mix of key forwards alongside Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Ben King.
With several players already contributing at AFL level and others yet to reach their ceiling, Gold Coast's young core has become crucial in the clubs push for their first premiership.
Players 22 and under: Max Knobel, Bailey Humphrey, Will Graham, Jed Walter, Jake Rogers, Ethan Read, Leo Lombard, Lachlan Gulbin, Cooper Bell, Asher Eastham, Zeke Uwland, Koby Coulson, Jai Murray, Dylan Patterson, Beau Addinsall, Avery Thomas
