Zero Hanger'sย Rookie Rankings are back for 2024, with Opening Round seeing five players make their debut in the northern states.
Melbourne blooded a pair of new faces in Thursday's loss to Sydney, while Collingwood and GWS each unveiled a debutant in their clash on Saturday night.
To start our Rookie Rankings for 2024, we'll list the top five 'rookies' before adding an extra spot in our rankings at the end of Rounds 6, 12 and 18.
Selection Criteria:ย For ourย 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 Darcyย are ineligible, having already played anย AFL match prior to Round 1, 2024.ย
Here's how our Rookie Rankings take shape after the opening four games of the season...
4. Harvey Thomas (GWS)
It takes some effort to be drafted 59th overall and then earn yourself an Opening Round debut after one pre-season, and that's exactly what GWS utility Harvey Thomas did.
Thomas' nine disposals and goalless encounter against Collingwood won't read as a strong opening performance, but the Giants debutant was a consistent cog in the front half of the field in Saturday's win.
The GWS Academy graduate directly assisted three goals in the victory and applied plenty of pressure on the defensive end to play a role in the resounding win.
The Giants are set to have a few players returning from injury for their Round 1 clash with North Melbourne, but Thomas should see his spot in Adam Kingsley's side remain for another week.
