AFL action officially returns this weekend, with fans keen to see some fresh faces press their case for senior spots by summer's end.
Opening Round and Round 1 are set to see debuts made across the competition, with 15 players featuring in their maiden matches across the opening two weeks of the 2024 season.
Several clubs have already been impressed by draftees or second-year assets, with some debut hopefuls beginning to stand out amongst the rest of the pack.
Here we name six of the best debut chances for the early stages of the 2025 season.
5. Bo Allan
Allan looks set to offer new coach Andrew McQualter some flexibility as a dual position threat, having enjoyed a draft campaign that saw the Peel Thunder product flourish in the backline and midfield.
A spot in defence looks likely for the local young gun, who can shift up onto a wing or roll through the middle - an elasticity that was on show during his run in the WAFL finals in 2024.
His stint at senior level with the Thunder has him in a good spot for an early start with the Eagles, with Allan flagging his preparations ahead of the draft should work in his favour.
"Obviously (WAFL finals is) a step up in intensity and the bigger bodies as well, so it's put me in good stead for what is to come now," he said after being taken with Pick 16.
The Eagles will face Richmond and North Melbourne as part of their pre-season run, with Allan expected to be a large feature in the build-up to a Round 1 bout against the Suns.
