Our AFL Rookie Rankings after Round 9 hasn't seen any change to the top six, but the gap between our leader and the rest of this year's rookie crop is closing.
Players positioned from second through to fifth each had strong performances over the weekend, while the No.1 placed Harley Reid couldn't fire to the level we've come to see this season.
The handful of rookies pressing their case outside of the top six has strengthened in recent weeks, with mature-aged Collingwood pairing Lachie Sullivan and Joe Richards both making a case for a spot in our rankings in a short time.
Along with Richards, Brisbane youngster Logan Morris and Hawks livewire Nick Watson both earned honourable mentions for their efforts over the weekend.
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.Â
Honourable Mentions
Joe Richards
Logan Morris
Nick Watson
4. Darcy Wilson (-)
The Saints wingman is continuing to emerge as one of the most exciting young players in the competition after just nine matches.
Wilson was again a large presence and complemented St Kilda's midfield contingent on Saturday against Hawthorn in Tassie, recording 21 disposals, nine contested possessions and six tackles in the loss.
The performance adds to a strong past few weeks for Wilson, who is just about level with the two names ahead of him in our rankings.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
A big effort against Fremantle this week could see Wilson rise a spot or two.
