The 2024 season showcased several outstanding individual performances. While AFL is fundamentally a team sport, many of the league's top players are expected to deliver exceptional individual performances week after week. The likes of Nick Daicos, Isaac Heeney, Jesse Hogan, Lachie Neale, Marcus Bontempelli, and Patrick Cripps delivered dominant outings each week.
Though not all players were at their best in season 2024, and many stars of the competition underperformed compared to what they were capable of and fell short of expectations.
Below, we have looked at four players who may have fallen short of their potential in season 2024.
2. Sam De Koning
Sam De Koning did not have the season he would have expected. The premiership player played 19 games, though do not feature in the Cats' final series as he could not get back into the side after injury.
De Koning has been one of Geelong's most exciting young players, but this year struggled with consistency and made mistakes under pressure that the 23-year-old would not normally make.
The young gun did not seem to reach new heights in 2024, and a knee injury likely put a burden on the rest of his season. Despite being fit, senior coach Chris Scott opted not to pick him for their finals matches.
De Koning also seemed to lack a bit of confidence in defence this year, but that may be due to his age and experience.
Though the youngster still showed many promising signs in a ruck role, he was not in their best 23 in September, so an opportunity may arise for his talent to be utilised elsewhere.
