Our AFL Rookie Rankings continue to take shape through the early stages of the 2024 season, with another change coming to our top five after Round 2.
A GWS forward has returned to our top five after a week out by replacing young Roo Zane Duursma, while another North Melbourne draftee has moved up the order in swapping places with a Demons midfielder.
Selection Criteria: For our Rookie Rankings, we are ONLY selecting players who have made their debut this season.
Other players who may still be eligible for a Rising Star nomination but have already made their debut prior to the 2024 season will not be considered. I.e. Rising Star eligible players such as George Wardlaw, Angus Sheldrick and Sam Darcy are ineligible, having already played an AFL match prior to Round 1, 2024.Â
Round 2 Honourable Mentions
Seth Campbell (Richmond)
Ryley Sanders (Western Bulldogs)
1. Blake Howes (-)
Much like his Opening Round debut, it took Howes some time to have an impact in Saturday's game but once he found his feet he was impactful in the win.
The athletic defender ended his afternoon against the Hawks with another 16 disposals, six marks, four tackles and six intercept possessions, standing up in the second-half absences of Steven May and Jake Lever.
The Demons' defensive structure was sound throughout the evening and played a major role in keeping the Hawks to just 38 points for the day.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
Melbourne heads to South Australia this week for their clash with the Power in what shapes as an exciting contest against two in-form sides.
