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For all the superstars who litter the Brisbane Lions' ranks, at the heart of their charge to last year's premiership was their quintet of emerging sensations.

Will Ashcroft, Kai Lohmann, Logan Morris, Jaspa Fletcher and Darcy Wilmot triggered a season turnaround in 2024 to break a 21-year title drought. Levi Ashcroft then joined them this year as a star on the rise.

By Saturday's preliminary final clash with Collingwood, the sextet had become a seven-man band.

Ty Gallop was fresh off kicking his maiden AFL goal against the Suns when his vice-captain, Josh Dunkley, hinted that the 19-year-old was on the brink of a breakout performance.