With the 2024 season almost upon us, let's look through some stars of the competition to watch out for this year.

We've compiled a list of the projected top 50 players in the competition for 2024, starting with the names at spots 50 overall through to 41.

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.

4. 47 - Izak Rankine

Here is where our list projects forward.

At times last year, Rankine looked like the most talented small forward in the competition and the Crows' match-winning point of difference for the next decade.

As with any young forward, there were consistency struggles, but with 36 goals from 20 games while averaging 16 touches, he is well on his way to becoming one of the biggest opposition headaches in the competition.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Izak Rankine of the Crows celebrates their win during the 2023 AFL Round 03 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on April 1, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Adelaide's expected jump into the eight should give Rankine the platform to showcase his talent on the September stage where his moments of brilliance will mean a lot more.