Things are tight in our AFL Rookie Rankings ahead of the final round of the 2024 season, with a majority of our top eight a chance to shuffle spots before our rankings are locked in for the year.
The eighth and last place is arguably the most up for grabs, with a host of young guns outside of our rankings still in the mix heading into Round 24.
Currently occupied by Hawks ace Nick Watson, the last spot could undergo a swap should Watson have a poor end to his home and away campaign.
This week has seen spots three through five change, with all three sports able to change again before our final rankings.
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 23 Honourable Mentions:
Archie Roberts (Essendon)
Darcy Jones (GWS)
Joel Freijah (Western Bulldogs)
Lawson Humphries (Geelong)
2. Colby McKercher (-)
Was moved into the front half of the field for a bit of an experiment by Alastair Clarkson, with McKercher left searching for his first goal at AFL level after booting a behind from his 24 touches.
It was exciting to see the Roos young gun get more of a look around midfield and utilise his clean ball use in attack, with McKercher still able to use the ball at 91% efficiency.
With one round left in the season, it'll be hard to see McKercher rise or fall from second spot in our Rookie Rankings as he nears the end of a promising first year in blue and white.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
The Kangaroos will head to the teenager's home soil of Tasmania this Saturday against Hawthorn to bring their 2024 campaign to a close.
