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The following young faces of the AFL have not only showcased their talent to the rest of the competition but have revolutionised the dynamic of fast-paced, electrifying Aussie rules football.
FB: Jake Lever (Adel), Michael Hartley (Ess), Liam Duggan (WCE)
HB: Brayden Maynard (Coll), Jacob Weitering (Carl), Rory Atkins (Adel)
C: Clayton Oliver (Melb), Darcy Parish (Ess), Jacob Hopper (GWS)
HF: Isaac Heeney (Syd), Darcy Moore (Coll), James Sicily (Haw)
FF: Tim Membrey (STK), Jesse Hogan (Melb), Jack Lonie (STK)
R: Patrick Cripps (Carl), Rory Lobb (GWS), Caleb Daniel (WB)
I: Mitch McGovern (Adel), Jack Steele (GWS), James Harmes (Melb), Jack Billings (STK)
The forward line boasts the elite dominance of Sydney’s Isaac Heeney, who is already playing like a leader of the club. After scoring a five-goal haul against Essendon, the competition were put on high alert in regards to the attributes he could bring to an already damaging Swans forward line.
On the other flank is James Sicily, another raw talent coming from the reigning premiers, Hawthorn. Sicily showed promise last year in the Hawks’ premiership-winning season but has seen his poise increase to another level in 2016, putting boot to ball for some magnificent goals.
Jesse Hogan is an easy inclusion into the side, as his rising star performance of 2015 highlighted his value in the Melbourne forward line. His recent career-high seven-goal bag against the Saints enabled him to defy the inevitable scrutiny that we knew he was going to cop.
Hogan’s name is one that we’ll see regularly in the highlights packages for years to come.
The defence is characterised by the elite first-year talent of Jacob Weitering, whose role is vital in the Blues’ back line. His brilliant decision making and ability to manipulate the forwards is already among the best in the team, and the league.
Alongside the number one draft pick is Collingwood’s Brayden Maynard, whose liveliness in the back line creates opportunities for turn overs and unforced errors. The half-back flanker is always ready to apply pressure and knows how to use the ball in all sorts of situations.
Essendon’s 2016 chances were dealt a huge blow as the ASADA scandal swung the axe on their senior players. However, a man who has stepped up is Michael Hartley.
This season has enabled Hartley to develop his skills as a key defender in the AFL. He has done well to clear the ball out of the back line, in a bid to create opportunities to counter-attack and score.
Jake Lever has had a horror run of injuries but nonetheless the Adelaide Crows instilled their faith in him to take the competition by storm. Playing every game so far in 2016, Lever has shown immense poise and has showcased his tremendous defensive skillset. He will prove to be an essential member of the Crows’ back line in the years to come.
The midfield is dominated by the agility of the upcoming talent of the various teams throughout the league. Clayton Oliver was tipped to go high in the draft and he did just that, with Melbourne taking him in to play a solid role as a big-bodied midfielder.
His versatility combines exceptionally well with the improvement seen in the Demons’ attack. Oliver has already gelled into the line-up and looks to solidify his role in the years to come.
On the other wing is young Giant Jacob Hopper, who has already broken records in just two games for Greater Western Sydney. He immediately burst onto the AFL scene as he claimed a rising star nomination for his willingness to go hard at the contests and showcase his ability to immaculately use the ball in the heart of midfield.
Darcy Parish will own the middle of the ground, as he’s given hope to a deflated Essendon midfield. His bursts of speed and hardness in among the contests are respected by many in the league. Parish is a midfielder to watch as his dynamic agility hits another level against even the toughest opponents.
The followers are supported by Giant Rory Lobb, who has taken his game to another level in 2016. Lobb not only towers above his opponents at 206 centimetres, but his ability to contest hard in the ruck duel as well as kicking goals in the forward line is second to none.
Lobb’s improvement has had a huge impact on the Giants’ form this year, as his efforts in the ruck have enabled his rovers to dominate off his good work and create opportunities to heavily impact the scoreboard.
Patrick Cripps was a star for Carlton last year and has continued on his merry way in 2016. The reigning John Nicholls medalist has shown immense courage and leadership through contests all over the ground.
The 194-centimetre midfielder is always ready to put his head over the ball and make life for the opposition difficult with his breathtaking strength.
The halfway mark of 2016 hasn’t even been reached yet and fans have already been able to witness the mesmerising skill of the upcoming talent of the AFL’s marquee players. Who knows what the rest of the season will bring to the table!
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