With an average of 10.6 first-time AFL All-Australians being named each year for the past decade, we can expect almost half of this year's side to be made up of fresh faces.
35 of those debutants came in the past three years alone, with a balance of next-generation sensations and long-serving veterans breaking through to earn their maiden blazers.
Adelaide sharpshooter Taylor Walker became the oldest player to win their first All-Australian nod in the AFL era last year, waiting 16 years to land his maiden selection.
The likes of Nick Daicos, Errol Gulden and Caleb Serong secured their first All-Australian jumpers in 2023 while still in the early stages of their respective careers, with a number of emerging stars likely to follow suit in 2024.
The trio of young stars were among the 12 players to earn their All-Australian debuts last year, with a further 15 among the initial squad but didn't make the final cut for their first blazers.
Looking to the season ahead, we look at 40 players who are yet to earn their first All-Australian selection who could be in contention for a blazer in 2024...
1. Defenders
Among the first names that will come to mind is Carlton stopper Jacob Weitering, who has been named in the past four All-Australian squads but has failed to make it through to the final 22.
The Blues' reigning best and fairest will again put his best foot forward as Carlton plans for another deep finals run, however, Weitering will need to overcome pre-season calf concerns that could delay his 2024 campaign.
Collingwood's Isaac Quaynor and Swan Nick Blakey also made last year's 44-man squad but couldn't break into the small forward spots that eventually went to Dan Houston, Tom Stewart and Jack Sinclair.
Both players are sure to be right in the mix again this season with their strong lockdown work and quick-paced rebounding respectively.
Others who have earned squad nods in the past include Richmond's Daniel Rioli, Dockers defender Brennan Cox and premiership Eagle Tom Barrass, all of whom narrowly missed the final cut in 2022.
Cox's teammate Hayden Young looks in line for a breakout season but could be in competition for a midfield spot as the former top 10 draft selection looks to make a full-time move to the middle of the field.
With selectors sometimes deciding to shift midfielders to other sections of the side in recent All-Australian teams, Young could benefit from his defensive-minded role and slot onto a half-back void.
Other rebounding backmen who could push for maiden selections include 2023 Rising Star winner Harry Sheezel, who will look to follow the trail blazed by Collingwood phenom Nick Daicos last year.
Brisbane's Keidean Coleman was among his side's best performers across September last year and will hope to reach similar highs on a consistent basis in 2024, while Richmond's Jayden Short will also be looking to land his maiden blazer.
Partnering Coleman in the Lions' defence is Brandon Starcevich, who would likely be in direct competition with grand final counterpart Quaynor as one of the premier lockdown small defenders.
Geelong's Sam De Koning continues to impress despite being just 22 years of age, with his breakout 2022 premiership season backed up last year despite some injury setbacks.
Sydney's Tom McCartin is another who will be eyeing an uninterrupted year in 2024 after dealing with concussion concerns midway half of last season. A full campaign for McCartin is sure to have the Swans key defender right in All-Australian contention should he reach a career-best year.
