Our AFL Rookie Rankings after Round 9 hasn't seen any change to the top six, but the gap between our leader and the rest of this year's rookie crop is closing.
Players positioned from second through to fifth each had strong performances over the weekend, while the No.1 placed Harley Reid couldn't fire to the level we've come to see this season.
The handful of rookies pressing their case outside of the top six has strengthened in recent weeks, with mature-aged Collingwood pairing Lachie Sullivan and Joe Richards both making a case for a spot in our rankings in a short time.
Along with Richards, Brisbane youngster Logan Morris and Hawks livewire Nick Watson both earned honourable mentions for their efforts over the weekend.
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
Honourable Mentions
Joe Richards
Logan Morris
Nick Watson
1. Harley Reid (-)
Reid's form has plateaued a touch over the past fortnight, but it hasn't stopped the young Eagle from offering some excitement during a dull afternoon on Sunday against Collingwood.
Reid's high-flying effort against the Pies adds to his building highlight reel, while the teenage sensation was able to finish the game with 17 touches, 10 contested possessions and three clearances in the loss.
Eight clangers hindered Reid's output, with the trailing pack of McKercher, Windsor, Wilson and Clohesy placing pressure on the young star's position at No.1 in our rankings.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
A matchup with Melbourne on Sunday back in front of a home crowd will be a perfect opportunity for Reid to get back to his best and again prove why he's sitting in the top spot.
