Age Is Just A Number: Young Guns Loving The Spotlight

By Chase Alfasi

11 August, 2023

It has never been so apparent that the young stars of the competition are playing such pivotal roles for their respective teams.

Nick Daicos is arguably Collingwood's best player already having only played 29 AFL games is the Pies' 'go to' player to break the game open. 18 year old, Harry Sheezel is already on kick-in duties after breaking the record for the most disposals after 4 matches (127). Will Ashcroft has fitted in seamlessly in Brisbane's already star-studded midfield. The father-son will most likely pull maximum votes against Melbourne's premier midfield after a 31 possession game in round 2.

Nick Daicos celebrates a goal during the round three match between Collingwood and Geelong at the MCG [Source: AFL Photos]

However, one of the more glaring distinctions is the rapid development of key position players. Last year, Sam De Koning shut down Lance Franklin in the grand final in what was essentially his first season after playing the sole game in 2021. Geelong supporters may have been on edge at the start of the game after he turned the ball over with his first kick; but the former pick 19 put the doubters to rest, containing Franklin to 5 disposals and important just the 1 behind. To be trusted with such a task on the biggest stage accentuates not only the ability of the youth but the confidence and composure under considerable pressure.

Sam De Koning celebrating 2022 grand final win [Source: Cameron Spencor/Getty Images]

Even more impressive is the rise of Luke Jackson. Take away the contracts and the expectation, Jackson is a bona fide star regardless of the figures on his contract. There are not many established ruckmen at 21 years old. It is well documented that at just 20 years old, the Western Australian took the mantle over Max Gawn in the third quarter of the 2021 Grand Final which saw Melbourne score 5 goals from stoppages in the 8 minute stint. His former captain Max Gawn is regarded as one of, if not the best ruckman of all time and it took him 7 season to become a regular in the Demon's 22. The six-time All-Australian famously urged coach, Simon Goodwin to "Unleash [Jackson]... He's the perfect matchup for Stef [Martin]", handing over the responsibility to the second year player in the most critical time of the grand final.

Luke Jackson celebrates a goal in 2021 grand final [Source: Will Russell/Getty Images]

In years go by, generally it would only be the rebuilding sides that would blood the young talent for experience. Now in 2023, all the ladder leaders have first and second year endowed with significant roles in pursuit of a premiership. Daicos (20), Sheezel (18), Phillipou (18), Ashcroft (18), Hollands (19) , Van Rooyen (19) are all playing a crucial part in their teams success and have been making headlines in the first month of 2023.

The steep trajectory of young players has been a rising trend since 2017 after Melbourne's Clayton Oliver won his first of four best and fairest awards in his second year. In 2019, both Hawthorn's James Worpel and Greater Western Sydney's Tim Taranto achieved the same feat, the latter in a top 2 side.

Former GWS star, Tim Taranto won the club's Best and Fairest Award in his second season [Source: Julian Smith/AAP Image]

So why is it that the younger players are so ably early in their careers? Is it a culture shift? Improved development programs? Well, it is probably a combination of both as well the players arriving to clubs with an innate confidence that they will be adept at the top level.

There is no doubt that the young players are much better set up to thrive in an AFL environment as opposed to yesteryear. There is a tangible tolerance of individual characters off the field within the four walls of the club which in turn allows players to break out of their shell and not have to 'wait their turn' ahead of the veterans at the club. Coaches enstill a level of belief int their players whilst also encouraging them to be leaders and play their natural game on the field.

Doss n Toss guest, Kai Aladjem reports Hawthorn's Dylan Moore explained that he appreciated former assistance coach and now Collingwood head coach, Craig McRae "emphasising his strengths" at his time at the Hawks. Moore also reiterated that coach Sam Mitchell along with all the coaches hone in on the players strengths rather than opting to rectify their flaws.

Whether the break out players end up being as decorated as some of the legends gone by or not, it is unequivocal that age and experience has depreciated in value as the young stars of the league are making their mark quicker than ever.