The 10 best debut seasons of 2021

The class of emerging future stars was evident in 2021, with a host of young names breaking onto the AFL stage and showing plenty of promise for the roads ahead.

Looking at players to have made their debut this season, we list the 10 players to have had the strongest campaigns after finally breaking through to the top flight.

James Jordon (Melbourne)

Debut: Round 1 vs Fremantle
Games: 25

Finally got his chance after two years at Melbourne without an appearance at AFL level.

A premiership winner, albeit as a medical sub, Jordon's debut campaign was one of the best in his class, playing 18 games for the Demons as a prominent feature in their midfield.

Played* in every game for Melbourne in their drought-breaking premiership season and had 11 games where he recorded 20 or more disposals.

Gained his Rising Star nomination in Round 8 after amassing eight tackles, 113 contested possessions and three inside 50s to go with his 23 touches.

Also recorded a season-high 13 tackles against Carlton the following week, proving to be as lethal on the backfoot as he is with his disposal.

*was an unused sub on three occasions

Miles Bergman (Port Adelaide)

Debut: Round 1 vs North Melbourne
Games: 23

Missed just the one game for the season for the Power as the South Australian side managed another top-four finish.

Bergman joins a shining light of youngsters making a name for themselves at Alberton Oval, with the 20-year-old slotting into several roles under Ken Hinkley in his maiden campaign.

Ranked elite for his position in intercept marks and contested defence one on ones faced, looking to be a reliable asset down back for the Power for the years to come.

Able to move forward and impact the scoreboard when called upon, Bergman could be an important figure for Port Adelaide as they chase their second AFL premiership.

Anthony Scott (Western Bulldogs)

Debut: Round 1 vs Collingwood
Games: 21

Impressed in his first game with the Bulldogs in the opening round of the season, collecting 16 touches and five inside 50s - a performance that came just weeks after heading to the Kennel via the Supplementary Selection Period.

Continued to play an important position forward before finding greater exposure in defence and proving to be a versatile component for the Dogs' flag push.

Fell to the fringe of selection at the latter end of the year and did not feature in the Bulldogs' Grand Final loss to the Demons, however Scott enjoyed a promising first year in the league and was rewarded with a new two-year extension.

Errol Gulden (Sydney)

Debut: Round 1 vs Brisbane
Games: 18

Was voted by his peers as the best first-year player in the competition at the AFLPA Awards after a stellar first season with the Swans.

Shot straight out of the gates in the opening rounds of the year, gaining a Rising Star nomination in Round 1 after booting three goals and amassing 19 touches against Brisbane.

Backed up his stellar first game with 22 touches against Adelaide in being a key player in the club's undefeated start to 2021.

Held a valuable role under John Longmire throughout his rookie campaign and firms as a star of the future for the Swans.

Jacob Koschitzke (Hawthorn)

Debut: Round 1 vs Essendon
Games: 20

Emerged as a focal point of the Hawks' forward line throughout the year, highlighted by a five-goal outing against the Crows in Round 5.

Koschitzke booted 27 majors for the season, which included eight games of multiple goals to his name.

Also averaged close to two tackles per game in proving to be a threatening pressure forward when looking to defend any chance of an opposition transition.

Will look to continue on his impressive debut season next year under new coach Sam Mitchell, with the Hawks embarking on a list rebuild to eventually return to premiership contention.

Harrison Jones (Essendon)

Debut: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Games: 16

Made his debut in the same match as Koschitzke, however the Hawks came away with the bragging rights after the Bombers' lead imploded late into the game.

Despite the ugly start, Jones would go on to play in a further 15 matches for the year as Essendon made a return to the finals action.

The 20-year-old ended 2021 ranked elite for his position in disposal efficiency, kicking efficiency and goal accuracy, looking to be a reliable user of the Sherrin for the years to come at Tullamarine.

Riley Thilthorpe (Adelaide)

Debut: Round 6 vs Hawthorn
Games: 14

The Crows' top selection had a debut like no other, booting five goals in a thrilling three-point loss to the Hawks, where the aforementioned Koschitzke claimed best afield honours with five goals of his own.

While his first senior game will be one to remember, Thilthorpe's match-winning performance against the Saints in Round 13 will perhaps be the game he will cherish most from this year.

Booting three goals - including an impressive shot overhead to win - Thilthorpe was a headache for St Kilda and looks to be a monumental threat to opposition defenders in the future.

Nik Cox (Essendon)

Debut: Round 1 vs Hawthorn
Games: 22

Proving to be capable of just about any task required from Ben Rutten, Nik Cox quickly emerged as a sensational pickup for the Bombers from last year's draft.

Cox played 22 games in 2021 across roles on the wing, in the ruck, down forward and in defence.

The 199cm-tall utility was seen as the Rising Star favourite in the opening half of the year before losing his lead to the likes of Luke Jackson and Tom Green.

With his raw talent and high upside, Cox could be a sensational commodity for the Bombers as they look to snap their winless finals run.

Tom Powell (North Melbourne)

Debut: Round 1 vs Port Adelaide
Games: 13

A youngster that perhaps flew under the radar this season, Powell made an effortless transition into the AFL under David Noble.

Averaging 19.3 touches across his first seven matches, the 2020 No.13 pick was prominent in North Melbourne's midfield as a strong two-way player, recording above-average numbers for pressure acts, tackles and intercept possessions among players in his position.

Stunningly failed to land a Rising Star nomination for his efforts, but Powell will quickly turn his attention to 2022 as the Kangaroos continue their list rebuild.

Tom Highmore (St Kilda)

Debut: Round 1 vs Greater Western Sydney
Games: 13

A late bloomer this year, Highmore played just one of the first eight games of the year before cementing his place in defence at Moorabbin.

A 13-mark, 22-disposal effort against Adelaide was a highlight for the versatile backman, who landed fight place in the Best First-Year Player Award voting.

Highmore is sure to fill a widening void for the Saints in the years to come following the departures of Jake Carlisle, James Frawley and Dylan Roberton.