We are witnessing a generational takeover.

Nick Daicos’ rapid ascension into the conversation as the AFL’s best player, alongside relative veterans Marcus Bontempelli, Patrick Cripps and Christian Petracca, has thrust the game’s present and future to the forefront.

Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos might have some youthful company at the top of the game soon.Credit: Getty Images

Sydney’s Errol Gulden, like Daicos, is only 22 years old but an All-Australian the past two seasons.

And the evidence across the first month of the season is that an increasing number of their 23-and-under peers are coming with a rush, too – and not just their midfield mates, but let’s start there.

Will Ashcroft won the Norm Smith Medal in last year’s grand final, and reminded everyone of his class with 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions and five clearances in the Brisbane Lions’ come-from-behind victory over Geelong on Saturday night.

If you watch Ashcroft, 20, closely at stoppages, you will notice his innate ability to know where the Sherrin is going and react before his rivals, then also make a swift decision once he wins it.

His coach, Chris Fagan, described his game at the weekend as his best yet.

You can also throw in Gold Coast wrecking ball Matt Rowell (23 years old), Swans dasher Chad Warner, Cat Max Holmes (22), Hawthorn’s Will Day and Jai Newcombe (both 23), Port Adelaide’s Jason Horne-Francis (21), Giant Finn Callaghan (22 in April) and Kangaroo Harry Sheezel (20), while No.1 pick Harley Reid (20 in April) is destined to join them.

Daicos, Warner, Gulden, Ashcroft and Reid, in particular, are also making their mark in the commercial world.

Then there are those narrowly older: Zak Butters (24), Connor Rozee (25), Sam Walsh (24), Luke Davies-Uniacke (25), Bailey Smith (24), Noah Anderson (24) and the exquisitely skilled Izak Rankine (25 in April).

Bailey Smith is one of the best young midfielders in the AFL.Credit: AFL Photos

Meanwhile, Adelaide and Western Bulldogs are home to the two most exciting key forwards in the game, Riley Thilthorpe (22) and Sam Darcy (21), both of whom are 200 centimetres or taller.

They are both........

© The Sydney Morning Herald