With pre-season chatter comes selection watch, with AFL fans keen to see who could be locking down starting spots at their best clubs for the season ahead.
Discussions over potential debutants play their part in the intrigue, with each hoping to uncover an uncapped player who can have an impact in 2025.
A total of 76 players made their AFL debuts in 2024, and with the number of options yet to get a look at the top level ahead of the coming campaign, that figure could be beaten in 2025.
Here we list every player yet to make their AFL debut and name the players most likely to play their maiden match this year.
Western Bulldogs
Rookies: Sam Davidson, Luke Kennedy, Josh Dolan, Lachie Jaques, Cooper Hynes
Still waiting: Lachlan Smith, Jordan Croft, Jedd Busslinger
Most likely to debut in 2025: 2025 could, and very much should, be the year Dogs fans get to see key defender Jedd Busslinger feature at the top level. The club has been patient in their approach with the 198cm defender, but this year will likely see the Bulldogs turn to the future as they look to settle on their defensive structure. Draftee Sam Davidson, who took out last year's Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal with Richmond, could also press his case for a spot in the forward line under Luke Beveridge quickly.
