GWS forward makes top five return as Roo rises further: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 2

Our AFL Rookie Rankings continue to take shape through the early stages of the 2024 season, with another change coming to our top five after Round 2.

A GWS forward has returned to our top five after a week out by replacing young Roo Zane Duursma, while another North Melbourne draftee has moved up the order in swapping places with a Demons midfielder.

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 prior to 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 prior to Round 1, 2024. 

Round 2 Honourable Mentions
Seth Campbell (Richmond)
Ryley Sanders (Western Bulldogs)

Harvey Thomas (NEW)

The young Giants forward returns to our top five after being replaced last week, with a strong showing against West Coast on Sunday making it too hard to keep the GWS Academy graduate out of our rankings.

Thomas came away from the heavy win with 21 disposals, one goal, two goal assists, 11 contested possessions, eight tackles and four intercept possessions in his third game of the season.

It was a senior role from one of the youngest players on the field, who was involved in seven scores for the afternoon to help his side claim a 65-point win.

The Giants have a bye in Round 3, leaving Thomas susceptible to falling out of the top five again, before returning against the Suns in Gather Round.

Harley Reid (-)

The No.1 pick was again impressive in spurts for the Eagles, with a leading highlight coming in the opening term in front of his home fans with some physical link-up play on the wing helping set up a shot on goal.

Reid recorded 17 possessions, laid four tackles and had three clearances in the loss to GWS as he continued to get a look across half-back and through the middle of the field.

The Eagles remain searching for their first win of 2024 and will head to Marvel Stadium in their pursuit on Sunday as the Western Bulldogs await.

Caleb Windsor (-1)

Windsor collected another 16 disposals along with six marks, four inside 50s and 357 metres gained in Saturday's win over Hawthorn to add to an efficient start in the red and the blue.

While it wasn't his best outing of the year so far, the Demons wingman continued to offer outside run and chase along with some clean ball movement by foot and hand.

Windsor will be looking to hold his place in Simon Goodwin's side ahead of their Round 6 bye, with matches to come against Port Adelaide, Adelaide and Brisbane prior to their break.

Colby McKercher (+1)

The Roos' young gun matched his Round 1 efforts with another 22 disposals over the weekend, continuing to find plenty of the pill in the back half as he works through a new role in the blue and white.

McKercher also added six marks, 382 metres gained, three inside 50s and a goal assist while moving the Sherrin at over 90% efficiency.

The Dockers put North Melbourne to the sword after a slow start to leave the Roos' undermanned defensive unit frustrated and facing constant incoming attacks throughout the second half.

The Kangaroos and McKercher take to a bigger stage this week for their Good Friday clash with Carlton at Docklands.

Blake Howes (-)

Much like his Opening Round debut, it took Howes some time to have an impact in Saturday's game but once he found his feet he was impactful in the win.

The athletic defender ended his afternoon against the Hawks with another 16 disposals, six marks, four tackles and six intercept possessions, standing up in the second-half absences of Steven May and Jake Lever.

The Demons' defensive structure was sound throughout the evening and played a major role in keeping the Hawks to just 38 points for the day.

Melbourne heads to South Australia this week for their clash with the Power in what shapes as an exciting contest against two in-form sides.