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...

Next

1. Blake Howes (Melbourne)

While it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Sandringham Dragons product, Howes found his feet over the course of Thursday's game to end the evening with 17 possessions, three tackles, 224 metres gained and team-highs for marks (seven) and intercept possessions (12).

With Jake Lever being negated by Swans stopper Robbie Fox, Howes joined Steven May and Adam Tomlinson in picking up the slack on the defensive end.

With the ball in hand, Howes was often clean with his use of the possession, moving the ball at 82.4 per cent for the game.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 07: Blake Howes of the Demons handballs during the Opening Round AFL match between Sydney Swans and Melbourne Demons at SCG, on March 07, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

The athletic swingman matured as the game progressed and has locked himself into a role for Round 1 when the Demons return to Victoria.

Next