In a ladder showing the average age of the AFL players who have appeared for their teams after round six this year, a few things stand out.

North Melbourne are by far the oldest – among those who have appeared in the first six rounds of this year, the average age has been 27.3 years old. No surprises there, they are a mature group, unbeaten this season. Their average is also somewhat skewed by 37-year-old Brent Harvey, although it does perhaps emphasise that for a tilt at the premiership, it is now or never for the Roos.

Hawthorn have fielded one of the oldest playing sides, which is to be expected for the three-time premiers. West Coast's average age is high, but nearly all their players have been aged between 23 and 30, with not many really old or very young.

Then there is Fremantle. They finished first on the ladder in 2015, now they are last, the only team without a win to their name. In their six consecutive losses they have fielded eight players who are 30 or older, more than any other team.

Matthew Pavlich turns 35 at the end of the year, Aaron Sandilands is 33.

Former Hawthorn list manager and St Kilda football boss Chris Pelchen said the Dockers were paying a price for their reluctance to give the younger players on their list a go during the past few years.

Fremantle had been hit hard by injuries, exaggerating their poor form, Pelchen said.

Brownlow Medal winner Nat Fyfe has been joined on the sidelines by experienced defender Michael Johnson and Sandilands.

Pelchen said Adelaide and Geelong were examples of clubs that in recent years had done a good job of giving young players a chance to play.

"In recent years Fremantle has been somewhat hesitant in introducing a large number of younger players and that's hurting them to an extent," he said.

Pelchen said the Dockers had been recruiting young players, but were not giving them many opportunities in the seniors.

Although no AFL team should give up on their season in round seven, behind closed doors Freo's football department was probably now discussing giving younger players some more experience this year, he said.

"They need to be looking well beyond 2016," he said.

Carlton are fielding a team with a surprisingly advanced average age given they are openly rebuilding, although more of their players fall within the 23-27 age bracket than any other.

Essendon are also among the older playing groups, due to the inclusion of their top-up players, several of whom had retired from football at the end of last year but were brought back to fill the gaps left by 12 players being suspended due to the 2012 doping scandal.

Pelchen said those clubs were doing the right thing by giving their young players a good run, but bolstering their sides with more mature talent.

Essendon needed to field their top-up players to maintain some level of competitiveness, he said.

"You cannot play just a team of under-21 players at AFL level," he said.

The statistics confirm GWS and the Western Bulldogs are finding success with youthful sides.

Melbourne and Brisbane Lions fans may find hope in the fact that their youngsters are getting plenty of opportunities.