With the 2019 AFL Draft in the books, we've seen clubs hedge their bets on the next crop of football superstars, with the hope that they can make an instant impact on their side's performances.
In the past few years, we have seen so many talented youngsters make a splash just a couple seasons into their AFL careers and become bonafide superstars.
Here is Zero Hanger's top 10 players aged 22 and under heading into the 2020 season.
5. Josh Dunkley
The only other premiership player on this list, Josh Dunkley has improved out of sight since the Bulldogs' 2016 flag. Despite operating in a midfield boasting Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Lachie Hunter, Dunkley was able to find the ball with ease, racking up 28 disposals a game and over five clearances. The youngest member of the Bulldogs 2016 triumph is not just a ball magnet however, the 22-year-old also finished sixth in the league for tackles, tallying 141 from his 23 games.
Dunkley's unbelievable round 17 performance against Melbourne, which saw him accumulate 39 disposals, 15 tackles and two goals, was the highlight of a season which saw him earn the vice-captaincy of the 22under22 side as well as a second-place finish in the club's best-and-fairest award behind Marcus Bontempelli. After a disappointing 2017 and 2018, the Bulldogs look to be back on the up and ready to challenge for another premiership next season.
