A month into the season,and many rising stars from last year have continued their standout form, while those who struggled with injuries have finally made their mark on the field.

This list is based on the current standing of players from the 2024 draft and mid-season draft, while also focusing on their improvement and where they could sit by season's end.

But who of those will continue to elevate their game and prove the second-year blues superstitions wrong?

9Lachie Jaques

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Lachie Jaques in action during the Western Bulldogs training session at Whitten Oval on January 16, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Lachie Jaques in action during the Western Bulldogs training session at Whitten Oval on January 16, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Bulldogs have taken the league by storm to start the season after their 3-0 start and some of the credit can be given to newcomer Lachie Jaques, who missed much of last season injury. Jaques gives the Bulldogs some speed and reliability and provides an efficient presence by racking up his own disposal count to an average of 20 over three games.

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