The Standard has profiled round one debutants and youngsters expected to make a mark from each club in 2021.
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CAMPERDOWN
Josh Place: Under 18.5 prospect who is expected to feature in a back pocket-type role. Played two reserves games in 2019 but had his first taste of senior action on Saturday night against Terang Mortlake.
COBDEN
Harrison Herschell: A defensive player. Bombers coach Adam Courtney can see a bright future for the 17-year-old left-footer, who stood up well on debut against North Warrnambool Eagles.
HAMILTON KANGAROOS
Koby Walter: Currently a half-back developing as a defender. Kangaroos coach Gerard FitzGerald believes the youngster, who graduated from under 18.5s in 2019 and 2020, could spend time as an outside midfielder.
Magnus Howells: Still at high school. Could develop into a running-type player, expected to spend time on a wing in 2021.
KOROIT
Paddy O'Sullivan: Saints coach Chris McLaren expects O'Sullivan, who is currently a wing to half-forward option, to develop into a third tall defender or forward. McLaren has also predicted O'Sullivan could spend time as a big-bodied midfielder.
Will Petersen: More of a defender but someone who has the capacity to get up the ground. Can play taller.
Thomas Baulch: Greater Western Victoria Rebels-listed midfielder who has height on his side. The wingman, who is 191 centimetres, is one Koroit is keen to get back for some Hampden league footy between his NAB League commitments.
NORTH W'BOOL EAGLES
Austin Sinclair: One for a small defender role. Reads the play well, good in the contest and has the ability to intercept mark. North Warrnambool Eagles coach Adam Dowie expects Sinclair to become a rebounding defender with poise and strong decision-making credentials.
Baillie Keast: Hard, contested ball-winner. Background in equestrian and works in the racing industry. Dowie can see more midfield time on offer once his tank builds. Currently a lock-down player and expected to play an important role once winter sets in and grounds slog up.
Ned Timms: An outside player who, like Baulch, is tied up in the Rebels program. Boasts a strong running capacity and as a left-footer, is a wingman. Filling a key role for North as outside midfielders aren't in abundance at the Bushfield-based club.
Harry Keast: Brother of Tom. In Dowie's words, Keast is an exciting prospect. Possesses good size and has been likened to Port Adelaide midfielder Willem Drew. Good hands and is good inside. Has a big future.
Judah Greene: Came across to North from South Rovers. Described as being "hard as nails". His endeavour and toughness has impressed teammates, including former AFL-listed talent Dion Johnstone.
PORT FAIRY
Oscar Pollock: Just 15 years old but is turning heads at Gardens Oval. Described as a running-type, but coach Winis Imbi is happy to let Pollock develop naturally before pinning down an exact position. Currently holding down a wing or half-forward role. A good decision-maker who can take a grab and is gaining the confidence to ply his trade at senior level.
Jordan Coulton: A 19-year-old still eligible as a top-ager in under 18.5s. Playing a role as a pressure forward in Imbi's side. Has improved his fitness levels dramatically over the COVID-19 break.
PORTLAND
Tex Mitchell: A half-forward option who works hard and prides himself on tackling and pressure. Also spent some time on ball on debut for Portland against one of the best midfields in the competition in Koroit. Bright future. Kicked seven against Port Fairy in his one and only under 18.5 clash in 2020.
Harold Pritchard: Playing as a wing option. Fresh out of under 18.5s. Showed good signs in practice games and while still learning his craft, has excellent potential.
SOUTH W'BOOL
Oliver Bridgewater: Well-sized prospect capable who debuted against Warrnambool. Part of South Warrnambool's long line of junior players. Potential to grow into a strong key-position player. Finished in the Roosters' bests in his first senior hit-out.
Henry Rhodes: A talented all-round athlete. Son of former Rooster Jake. Was a bright prospect in under 16s in 2019, playing 14 games and slotting 10 goals.
TERANG MORTLAKE
Darcy Hobbs: Bloods mentor Ben Kenna can see Hobbs holding down a ruck position. A 200-centimetre prospect who could also float forward to hurt opposition on the scoreboard if needed. Harvey Roberts: An outside midfielder who is expected to spend time across half-back, half-forward and on a wing. Will find more joy in drier conditions.
WARRNAMBOOL
Joel Reinheimer: A half-back flank option who won Warrnambool's under 18 best-and-fairest in 2019. Impressed coach Ben Parkinson on debut. Expected to retain his spot against Hamilton Kangaroos at Deakin University on Saturday.
Ben Howard: A ruckman. Warrnambool was looking more long-term with his development but has been pleased with his efforts at training. Will continue to give Dan Weymouth a chop out in the ruck.
Aiden Grant: A wing and outside midfield prospect with big wraps. Suffered a shoulder injury on debut. Part of the Rebels program for 2020 but didn't play due to COVID-19.
Sam Morgan: Coming back off a knee injury after not playing for two years. An impressive wingman and outside midfielder.
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