Just over a month out from the 2024 season, we are listing off some stars of the competition to watch out for this year.

We've compiled a ranking of the projected top 50 players in the competition for 2024, looking through spots 40-31 in this edition.

Rather than naming the best performers of 2023 or the top players entering Opening Round, this list will look at the best players currently with some projections as to how they may rank at the end of the year.

Part one addressed many up & coming young names who have done just enough to scrape into the exclusive top 50, this list of 10 gets to the players who are entrenched in that club but need to bolster their production further or impact the outcome of games to climb higher.

SEE: 50-41 PREDICTED PLAYERS FOR 2024

8. 33 - Nick Blakey

Blakey is quickly becoming a fan-favourite and household name with his peculiar mix of raw talent and lizard-like looks. His style of play is equally eccentric.

Shockingly, at 196cm, he is taller than Charlie Curnow but can hit speeds of up to 35km/hr with ball in hand, usually seen when blitzing out of defensive 50 in a crucial situation.

While he doesn't match up on the big key forwards of the competition, his combined athleticism and height makes him one of the most prolific intercept markers in the competition while his laser-like left foot makes him an ideal option to rebound an opposing forward entry.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Nick Blakey, Oliver Florent and Isaac Heeney of the Swans embrace after winning the round 12 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 09, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

He was a constant smokey for All-Australian selection last year and his placement on a back-pocket will be hard to deny if his growth continues into his age-24 season.