With all 18 clubs featuring over the weekend, we got a great look at ten new debutant for Round 1 that have helped shape our Rookie Rankings early into the season.
Two of our top five remain from Opening Round, while three new youngsters have emerged in our rankings after making their debuts.
That means three players from last week's rankings have fallen out, with competition for spots highly contested already.
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 1 Honourable Mentions
Darcy Wilson (St Kilda)
Ryley Sanders (Western Bulldogs)
Seth Campbell (Richmond)
1. Blake Howes (-)
Another Demon who has pieced together an impressive first fortnight in 2024, Howes was again a reliable asset on Simon Goodwin's last line thanks to his composure in the air and efficient ball movement.
Howes collected 16 disposals, seven marks and moved the pill at 87% efficiency to be one of the Demons' top five ball users of the afternoon.
With stalwarts Steven May and Jake Lever working to their strengths, combined with Tom McDonald's fitting return to the Demons' rearguard, Howes looks to have found himself a role that offers some freedom in Melbourne's defence.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
The Demons will hope to replicate Sunday's form this weekend when they take on the Hawks at the MCG.
