The Youthquake in AFL: Why Collingwood’s Rising Stars Are Just the Tip of the Iceberg
The AFL landscape is shifting, and it’s not just about Collingwood’s young guns making waves. Personally, I think what’s happening at the Pies is a microcosm of a much larger trend: the league is undergoing a youthquake, and it’s reshaping the future of the sport. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—there’s so much more to unpack here.
The Collingwood Conundrum: Youth vs. Experience
Collingwood’s decision to finally lean into their youth brigade feels like a long-overdue strategy shift. What makes this particularly fascinating is the timing. The Pies have been criticized for clinging to their 2023 premiership stars, but now, with injuries forcing their hand, they’ve stumbled into a goldmine. Ed Allan, Will Hayes, Sam Swadling, and Roan Steele aren’t just filling gaps—they’re redefining what the club could look like in the next few years.
Here’s the thing: Collingwood’s youth isn’t just talented; they’ve developed a chemistry that’s rare in AFL. Having come up through the VFL together, they’ve got a shared language on the field. In my opinion, this is the real story here. It’s not just about individual talent; it’s about the collective potential. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be the blueprint for how clubs nurture their next generation.
The Serong Factor: When Selflessness Meets Stardom
Caleb Serong’s performance against Adelaide was a masterclass in timing. What many people don’t realize is that Serong has been playing a selfless role all season, letting others shine. But when the Dockers needed him to step up, he delivered in spades. This raises a deeper question: how many players can toggle between being a team player and a game-changer?
Serong’s ability to switch gears is what makes him a September specialist. His finals record speaks for itself, and I’m willing to bet he’ll be the difference-maker if the Dockers go deep this year. What this really suggests is that the modern AFL midfielder isn’t just about stats—it’s about adaptability.
Will Ashcroft: The All-Australian Lock?
Will Ashcroft’s surge towards an All-Australian blazer is one of the feel-good stories of the season. But let’s be honest: his inconsistent start had some questioning whether he’d live up to the hype. Fast forward to now, and he’s been unstoppable. A detail that I find especially interesting is his ability to flip games, like he did against Richmond in Round 14. That’s not just skill—that’s mental toughness.
What’s often overlooked is how Ashcroft’s success reflects on Brisbane’s development system. The Lions have a knack for nurturing talent, and Ashcroft is the latest proof. From my perspective, this isn’t just about individual accolades; it’s about the culture Brisbane is building.
The Ruck Revolution: Jordon Sweet’s Rise
Jordon Sweet’s emergence as a No.1 ruck for Port Adelaide is a story of resilience. The Power have had a rough year, but Sweet’s battle with Max Gawn showed he’s got the goods. What makes this particularly fascinating is how he’s evolved from a former Bulldog into a cornerstone of the Power’s future.
Ruckmen often fly under the radar, but Sweet’s impact goes beyond hitouts. His ability to contribute across the board—disposals, marks, clearances, goals—makes him a modern ruckman. In my opinion, this is the direction the position is heading, and Sweet is leading the charge.
Chad Warner: The Goal-Kicking Midfielder Redefined
Chad Warner’s season is nothing short of extraordinary. What many people don’t realize is how rare it is for a midfielder to consistently rack up disposals and goals. Warner’s on the verge of joining an elite club, and it’s not just about the stats. His ability to influence games in multiple ways is what sets him apart.
What this really suggests is that the traditional midfield role is evolving. Warner isn’t just a ball-winner; he’s a goal threat, a playmaker, and a leader. If you take a step back and think about it, players like Warner are redefining what it means to be a midfielder in the AFL.
Mitch McGovern: The Phoenix Rising
Mitch McGovern’s resurgence at Carlton is one of the most inspiring stories of the season. Written off last year, he’s now a key piece in the Blues’ finals push. What makes this particularly fascinating is how he’s transformed from a player on the brink of delisting to a forward-line linchpin.
McGovern’s story is a reminder of the power of confidence and opportunity. In my opinion, it’s also a testament to Carlton’s coaching staff for seeing something in him that others missed. This raises a deeper question: how many other players are out there waiting for their second chance?
North Melbourne’s Quiet Revolution
North Melbourne’s near-miss against Geelong was more than just a moral victory. It was a statement. What many people don’t realize is that the Roos are building something special under Alastair Clarkson. Their ability to compete with a powerhouse like Geelong shows they’re on the right track.
From my perspective, North Melbourne’s ‘easy’ draw narrative is overblown. The last two weeks have shown they’re capable of challenging anyone. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be the calm before the storm for the Roos.
Brad Hill: The Ageless Wonder
Brad Hill’s 300th game milestone is more than just a number. At 33, he’s having a career-best season for disposals, and his performance against Richmond was a masterclass. What makes this particularly fascinating is how he’s defying the conventional wisdom about aging players.
Hill’s longevity isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s about his football IQ and adaptability. In my opinion, he’s a blueprint for how veterans can stay relevant in a young man’s game. What this really suggests is that experience still has a place in the AFL, even as the league gets faster and younger.
The Giants’ Forward Line of the Future
Aaron Cadman and Max Gruzewski’s partnership is a glimpse into Greater Western Sydney’s future. What’s often overlooked is how their emergence coincides with the potential departures of Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer. This isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s about building a new identity.
From my perspective, the Giants are in the midst of a major transition, and this young duo could be the key to their success. What makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly they’ve gelled. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be the start of something special for GWS.
The Bigger Picture: AFL’s Youthquake
What’s happening across the league isn’t just a series of isolated events—it’s a trend. From Collingwood’s kids to Ashcroft’s rise, the AFL is being redefined by its young talent. Personally, I think this is the most exciting time for the league in years.
But here’s the thing: this youthquake isn’t just about individual players. It’s about how clubs are developing, nurturing, and trusting their young talent. In my opinion, the teams that get this right will dominate the next decade. What this really suggests is that the future of the AFL isn’t just bright—it’s blazing.
Final Thought
As we head into finals, it’s easy to focus on the veterans and the proven stars. But if there’s one takeaway from this season, it’s that the next generation is ready. Collingwood’s youth might be grabbing the headlines, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. The real story is how the AFL’s youthquake is reshaping the league—and it’s only just beginning.
