AFL.com.au takes a look at the young guns of the competition that will feature heavily in the voting for the 2013 NAB AFL Rising Star Award.

Jaeger O'Meara – Gold Coast
The hype surrounding O'Meara couldn't have been much bigger coming into 2013, but the West Australian hasn't disappointed. The midfielder, taken with pick one in the 2012 GWS mini draft, is averaging 21.6 disposals, four marks and five tackles in 22 games. He's also chimed in with 16 goals.

 He is the complete midfield package with his contested ball work just as deadly as his run and carry. He also kicks well on both feet and is strong overhead. So impressive has the Sun's form been, it prompted Essendon great Tim Watson to declare: "Jaeger O'Meara could quite well go down in history as the greatest midfielder that's ever played the game."

It is not hard to see why he's odds on favourite to take out this year's award.

Brad Crouch – Adelaide
Taken behind O'Meara in the 2012 mini draft, Crouch has also been an inspired selection. His 2013 campaign got off to slow start due to injuries and indifferent form, but the latter part of the season has shown the Crows have a future superstar on their hands.

Like O'Meara, he's just as adept at winning the hard ball as he is at cutting the opposition to pieces with his outside run and sharp foot skills. The 19-year-old should be proud of a debut season that has seen him averaging 24.5 disposals, four marks and four tackles across 14 games.

Aaron Mullett – North Melbourne
Mullett is the steal of this year's crop, with the Kangaroos snaring the running defender with pick 34 in the 2011 NAB AFL Rookie Draft. 

While the 21-year-old has taken time to find his feet at Arden Street (nine games in two years), it has definitely been worth the wait. Mullett, who is yet to miss a game this season, is the man the Roos want with the ball in his hand, as his laser-like right foot has set up many a forward thrust.  

And he also knows were the big sticks are too, kicking an impressive 14 goals and just the one behind while averaging 19 touches a game.

Sam Mayes – Brisbane Lions 
With Simon Black in the twilight of his illustrious career, the Lions went into the 2012 NAB AFL Draft looking for an injection of class. Much to their delight, they found Mayes waiting for them at pick eight, and they couldn't call his name out fast enough.

 A leading forward for much of his highly decorated junior career, the 19-year-old has played predominately on the wing in 2013, winning a lot of the ball, and admirers, along the way. The South Australian has averaged 17 disposals a game but is working tirelessly to add a defensive edge to an arsenal that features sure foot skills, composure and an uncanny ability to find space.

Oliver Wines – Port Adelaide
Coming into the season, Wines was expected to make an immediate impact at senior level, and that is what the strong-bodied midfielder did, claiming the round one nomination in his first game.
Wines' manic approach to winning the ball didn't end there, with the 19-year-old taking on some the League's toughest midfields to average 19 possessions and four tackles across 22 games so far this season.

He's worked hard to refine his kicking and spread from the contest but he's gone a long way to justifying Port Adelaide's decision to take him with pick seven in last year's draft.