AFL clubs have seemingly become obsessed with youth policies. In some ways it is understandable - if you are going to build a side from the ground up you need to start with a group of talented youngsters. But are recruiting staff writing off players in their early 20s too readily. Are the late maturing players getting a raw deal? There are some very, very good footballers going around in their early 20s. Luke Hawkins is one such player. The 23-year-old played the last 10 games of the VFL season with Essendon and impressed many good judges. He has nominated for the upcoming national draft, hoping to get a crack at the big time.