Our Rookie Rankings have seen another fresh face added to the top eight for the second week in a row, while the podium has also undergone a shake-up.
A Hawks young gun has edged out several contenders for eighth spot, taking over a GWS small forward, while a Roos speedster has slotted into second spot ahead of the final fortnight of the season.
A pair of Bombers rookies and a Suns midfielder were among the six players to earn an honourable mention from Round 22.
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 before 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 before Round 1, 2024.Â
Round 22 Honourable Mentions:
Archie Roberts (Essendon)
Nate Caddy (Essendon)
Darcy Jones (GWS)
Calsher Dear (Hawthorn)
Daniel Curtin (Adelaide)
Will Graham (Gold Coast)
8. Nick Watson (NEW)
The Hawks livewire comes into our Rookie Rankings for the first time this year after a slow burn of form that has since exploded, with Watson taking the spot of GWS small forward Harvey Thomas ahead of a congested chasing pack.
Watson pips the likes of Hawthorn teammate Calsher Dear, Suns midfielder Will Graham, Fremantle defender Josh Draper, GWS speedster Darcy Jones and Thomas for eighth spot.
While he went without a goal in the comfortable win over Carlton on Sunday, Watson amassed 10 score involvements and four goal assists from his 17 disposals, seven contested possessions, six inside 50s and over 400 metres gained in what was his best performance of the year.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The outing adds to a strong back end of the season for Watson as he plays a part in the Hawks' push for a finals spot, with matches against Richmond and North Melbourne to come.
