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.
Keilor have had the perfect start to the season under Shannon McFerran, who has had plenty of young talent to pick from.
Kaitlyn O'Keefe (19) has put together a comprehensive body of work to start the season, being named in the bests on five occasions for the Blues.
After missing a large junk of pre-season in a moonboot, O'Keefe has managed to hit the scoreboard with 10 majors playing predominantly as a midfielder.
Ella Nickolaus (17) is one of many young guns playing outstanding football as Essendon Doutta Stars it makes its way through a debut season in Airport Toyota Women's Premier Division.
Nickolaus started her year at the Calder Cannons but has since returned to Douttas to be named in the bests in all three of her appearances.
If the transfer of Aleesha Hobbs to the Coburg Lions is to remain permanent, Nickolaus' role in Craig Rutley's team will be imperative.
Terira Fry (19) started the year on fire for the Sunbury Lions slotting 16 majors in her four appearances in Airport Toyota Women's Division Two.
Fry has had no issues taking that form to Division One as the Lions moved up to the higher level after a mid-season shuffle.
Daniel Brady's side are two from two in the higher division with Fry being named amongst the bests in both games.
Speaking of Division One, Tullamarine have battled hard in the first six rounds of season 2021 with that elusive first win still waiting.
Despite the winless start, Taylah O'Sullivan (20) can hold her head high as one of Peter Labbad's most reliable contributors.
She has shown her prowess to read the play well both forward and back and has always proven strong in a contest.
After featuring in four games at NAB League level this year for the Calder Cannons, Charlotte Clayton (17) has returned to Moonee Valley 2 in fine form, kicking 17 goals from three games to lead the Airport Toyota Women's Division Two goal kicking.
She leads second placed teammate Georgia Marsland (20) who has kicked 16 goals from her five games as one of Moonee Valley 2's standout performers.
Got a young gun at your club rising through the ranks? Let us know via our social media channels!
