In 2021, the EDFL, thanks to AGA Apprenticeships Plus, will be announcing a Rising Star award for both men's and women's competitions at the end of year awards night.
Eligible players will be aged 21 years or younger at the beginning of 2021, will be playing regular senior football and having a significant impact for their teams.
In the lead up to awards night, the EDFL will release both a men's and women's EDFL Young Gun Report every month as we keep track of our rising superstars this year.
After more than 200 games coming up through the ranks at Greenvale, Dylan Aridas (21) has broken through to find himself a consistent member of Darren Bewick's side in 2021.
Aridas has featured in all 11 games for the Jets this season and his 19 goals for the year see him sitting second on the Greenvale goal kicker's tally just behind teammate Tyson Young.
Another Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division young gun who has featured in all 11 games this season is Pascoe Vale's Aaron Hilton (19).
Hilton is another home grown junior and has played some consistent football for the Panthers this year.
After a strong debut season in 2019 where he played 16 senior games, Hilton has added to his game finding the score sheet more regularly while also pulling out some tricks on the highlights reel.
In Strathmore Community Bank Division One, Jason Kenneth (19) has established himself as not only one of the best young prospects in the division but also as one of the division's leading ruckman.
Kenneth made his senior debut in Round One and the big Tiger hasn't looked back.
Teaming up with ruck partner Cody Wight on a number of occasions, Kenneth has competed admirably against several of the division's best rucks including Lachie Rayner and Nikola Hrkac.
Ibrahim Taha (18) has quickly found his feet in his debut senior season, establishing himself as one of Dale May's key pieces up forward along the West Coburg tall timber.
Taha has 17 goals to his name from his 11 performances which has seen the teenager display plenty of x-factor and the ability to rise high in a marking contest with plenty of leap at his disposal.
Finally in Strathmore Community Bank Division Two, Taylor Hotchkin (21) is becoming a key contributor to Oak Park as they strive for premiership success in 2021.
With over 250 underage games with the Kangas, Hotchkin cut his teeth playing senior football in 2019 as Oak Park suffered relegation from Division One.
But that wealth of experience two years ago has paid dividends with the 21-year-old proving to be a pivotal figure to the top 2 side with 15 goals from his 10 appearances this season.
After getting a taste for senior football at Essendon Doutta Stars in 2019, Tyler Killick (19) transferred across to Keilor Park in a move that has proved fruitful.
Killick is one of a number of young guns that have provided Paul Guicas with a youthful core to compliment his seasoned leaders as the Devils challenge for finals football this year.
Having played all 10 games for Keilor Park, Killick has been a reliable contributor coming off half-back or through the midfield.
Got a young gun at your club rising through the ranks? Let us know via our social media channels!
