Big performances across the competiton as Roo rises in return, Bulldog breaks through: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 17

Our Rookie Rankings after Round 17 has undergone extensive change, with six of the top seven spots moving due to the weekend's events.

A Roos youngster has moved up two places in his return from injury, while a Demon's day out has him slotting into second spot.

The seventh rung in our rankings has again found a new name, with a young Bulldog breaking through for the first time this year.

There were some big performances from a plethora of rookies currently not in our top seven, with all of Shaun Mannagh, Nate Caddy, Koltyn Tholstrup and Darcy Jones earning nods after a strong weekend from a large group of eligible rookies.

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. 

Honourable Mentions:
Shaun Mannagh (Geelong)
Nate Caddy (Essendon)
Koltyn Tholstrup (Melbourne)
Darcy Jones (GWS)

Ryley Sanders (NEW)

The Pick 6 selection from last year's draft makes his long-awaited debut in our rankings, with Sanders having another promising outing over the weekend, albeit in a loss.

The Tasmanian managed 22 disposals, five marks and five contested possessions against the Power while moving the ball at 81% efficiency.

The performance followed a strong Round 16 game against North Melbourne and a steady rise for Sanders since his return to the senior side.

The Dogs take on Carlton this week for what looms as a must-win match for the boys from the Kennel.

Logan Morris (-1)

Having started as the sub a week after being subbed out of the win over Melbourne, Morris has seen his spot fall one place in our Rookie Rankings.

The former of another rookie has also impacted the young forward's placing, which could rise again should he return to a starting role in Round 18.

The first-year Lion did manage to add to his goal tally for 2024 with one major from his seven disposals against the Crows on Sunday, having been brought into the game in the first half due to an injury to Brandon Starcevich.

The Lions head west this weekend to hopefully extend their five-game winning run when they take on the Eagles at Optus Stadium.

Sam Clohesy (-1)

An afternoon to forget for the Suns as their winless away record for the year continued thanks to a shock loss to North Melbourne on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.

Clohesy was among the few Gold Coast who could keep their head up, with the Suns recruit collecting 15 disposals against the Roos - 10 of which were contested while moving the ball at 86% efficiency on the wing.

The former Suns Academy talent was also strong on the defensive end with five tackles as he mostly matched up on North Melbourne veteran Liam Shiels.

The Suns return home in Round 18 to host Port Adelaide, with both sides looking to keep their seasons alive.

Colby McKercher (+2)

A statement performance in his return from injury, with McKercher recording a whopping 37 disposals in Saturday's win over the Suns.

Offering plenty of run and speed from the back half - including a goal assist that came after four bounces on the wing - McKercher looked like the player that dominated his draft campaign in 2023.

The teenager featured among North Melbourne's best and has risen two places in our Rookie Rankings as a result, with a podium position now in reach.

North Melbourne has the difficult test of facing Sydney at the SCG this weekend as they look to follow up their second win of 2024.

Darcy Wilson (-1)

The young Saint's form has continued to plateau after a promising first dozen or so games, with a quieter outing last week, followed up by another on Sunday.

Despite the stunning upset win, Wilson conjured just nine disposals against the Swans but did manage to open proceedings with the first goal of the game.

The wingman also collected five marks and moved the ball at 77% efficiency as he floated between midfield and attack.

The Saints head to South Australia this week to face Adelaide on their home deck, with another down outing for Wilson potentially seeing him slide further in our rankings.

Caleb Windsor (+1)

The best performance we've seen yet from the Demons speedster, who amassed 27 disposals, seven marks, five tackles, four clearances, 10 contested possessions and a goal in Sunday's win.

With almost 500 metres gained to his name, Windsor was a constant threat against the Eagles on the outskirts of the engine room as he and defender Trent Rivers continued to cause havoc in the middle third.

It was a great display from both of the Demons' two first-roun draft selections from their 2023 intake, with Koltyn Tholstrup earning an honourable mention for his two-goal game.

Melbourne returns to the MCG this Saturday to host Essendon for what shapes as a blockbuster affair between the two sides.

Harley Reid (-)

In his first outing at the MCG, the reigning No.1 draft pick looked to mirror his stellar performance in the corresponding clash between the Demons and Eagles earlier this year.

The talented teenager was able to flex his strength around the contest but couldn't have the same impact from his 16 disposals and nine contested possessions as West Coast fell by nine goals.

The performance added to a promising return from Reid, who had a three-week layoff after being suspended and serving his side's mid-season bye.

The Eagles return to their next this Sunday to host the form team of the competition, Brisbane.