An emerging Lions forward has continued his rise in our Rookie Rankings, while four of the top seven are set to return to action this weekend after not featuring in Round 15.
Former Rookie Rankings showing Bruce Reville has earned an honourable mention for his efforts in Saturday's win over Port Adelaide and could find himself back among the top names in the coming weeks, while Power debutant Logan Evans also earned a nod after overcoming a shaky start in his first game at AFL level.
Youn Demon Koltyn Tholstrup was also impressive in his second game of the season, finding the ball and adding plenty of pressure on the defensive end.
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:
Bruce Reville (Brisbane)
Logan Evans (Port Adelaide)
Koltyn Tholstrup (Melbourne)
With the Hawks having their bye it was time for Dear to have a deserved break following an impressive opening seven games to his career.
The young father-son addition has kicked nine goals in 2024 to help support the likes of Mabior Chol and Jack Gunston in attack in the absence of spearhead Mitch Lewis.
But has Dear done enough to hold his place in Sam Mitchell's side for once Lewis returns from injury? It'll likely be between the teenager and Gunston for that third forward spot.
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That call could be made as early as this week ahead of Hawthorn's meeting with West Coast in WA on Sunday.
The Roos midfielder had a successful return from a niggling foot injury through the VFL over the weekend, collecting 31 disposals and eight marks against Casey.
McKercher can be expected to come straight back into Alastair Clarkson's side for this weekend's meeting with the Western Bulldogs, where the Tasmanian will go up against his fellow statesman Ryley Sanders.
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The Roos have shown some great signs over the past month and will gain a boost with the return of McKercher, who will be back near the top of our Rookie Rankings in no time following his recent layoff.
The Suns flanker was again a consistent role player for Damien Hardwick in his wing role, going head-to-head with ex-Sun Jeremy Sharp at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
His performance is hard to question, but it's the former of another rookie that has seen Clohesy fall one place in our rankings to fifth.
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The Suns return to Carrara this weekend with a must-win matchup against the reigning premiers Collingwood on Saturday.
The Brisbane forward has been one of the more exciting players to break into the top level this year, with his outing against Port Adelaide over the weekend one of his best so far in his short career.
Morris has kicked at least one goal in all seven of his games so far this season and added two more goals over the weekend to bring his season tally to 13 majors.
He also recorded an equal career-high six score involvements against the Power, showing his smart and clean front-half ball use to further stamp his authority under coach Chris Fagan,
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The Lions will open Round 16 on Friday night at the Gabba, where Morris and co. will come up against Melbourne's formidable defensive unit.
Went head-to-head with one of the most experienced wingmen in the competition in Liam Shiels on Saturday night, with Windsor and his opponent often caught on the quieter wing during the thrilling clash.
The Demons youngster managed to collect 10 disposals and laid six tackles to further develop his defensive game in his rookie season.
Windsor could only move the ball at 60 per cent efficiency under trying conditions, leading to five clangers on the night.
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The Demons will be looking to make it back-to-back wins following their bye when they face Brisbane in Queensland on Friday.
Another rookie who didn't feature over the weekend due to his side's bye round, with Wilson to return this weekend when the Saints face Port Adelaide.
The last time these two sides faced off this season, Wilson collected a season-high 21 disposals and six inside 50s in a 10-point defeat in South Australia.
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Returning to Marvel Stadium on Sunday, Wilson and the Saints will be looking to return to the winner's list following their mid-season break.
The Eagles gun will make his return from a two-game suspension this weekend when West Coast welcome the Hawks to Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
With the club's bye round coming during his time off, Reid hasn't played since West Coast's Round 12 loss to St Kilda.
The No.1 draft pick has managed to hold his place atop our Rookie Rankings despite his three-week absence, with the gap between Reid and the others shorter but still sizeable.
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All eyes will be on the explosive Eagle this weekend in his return.