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.
Honourable Mentions
Joe Richards
Logan Morris
Nick Watson
The Suns' tackling machine was dropped for Saturday night's clash with North Melbourne as coach Damien Hardwick looked to reshuffle all three lines of his squad for Round 9.
While Graham was unable to add to a strong first season with Gold Coast so far, the teenager's spot in our Rookie Rankings hasn't been taken as those on the fringes of our top six couldn't quite leap at an advantageous time.
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The aforementioned Collingwood pairing of Lachie Sullivan and Joe Richards could come into our rankings in the coming weeks, with the former putting together a strong two-game run while Richards was exhilarating on debut against West Coast on Sunday.
Richmond's Mykelti Lefai, Demon Blake Howes, Bulldog Harvey Gallagher, Giants duo Darcy Jones and Harvey Thomas, and Lion Bruce Reville are also among the chasing pack.
The Sun's recruit was back to his best on Saturday, recording his fourth game of 2024 with at least 16 disposals and a goal to his name.
Clohesy notched up a season-high 23 touches to go with two goals, six marks and two clearances in the heavy win over the Roos.
That level of form might've been good enough to see Clohesy rise a spot or two in our rankings most weeks, however, the form of the rest of the top six makes any move hard to reach.
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The Suns head to Darwin this Thursday to host Geelong, with another strong performance from Clohesy potentially seeing the mature-aged recruit rise as high as second in our rankings.
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.
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A big effort against Fremantle this week could see Wilson rise a spot or two.
After claiming the Round 8 Rising Star nomination, Windsor backed up his career-best performance with another formidable outing on Thursday night against Carlton.
The speedy Demon collected 19 disposals, four clearances, 404 metres gained and a goal in the narrow loss to the Blues.
Windsor loves the open paddock that is the MCG and will be keen to find some space on Sunday when Melbourne travels west to face the Eagles at Optus Stadium.
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Much like Wilson, Windsor is closing in on the top spot as the four names behind Harley Reid continue to shine.
The Pick 2 selection had his third consecutive game of 30 or more disposals, with McKercher now looking at home in a reliable defensive role that gives the teenager time and space to run out of the backline.
Known for his pace and clean use of the ball, McKercher has stepped into Harry Sheezel's defensive post as the reigning Rising Star winner continues to increase his midfield minutes.
McKercher collected 30 disposals and had almost 600 metres gained in the loss to the Suns over the weekend, with the teenager among the few positives in Alastair Clarkson's side.
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Still chasing their first win, a breakthrough win for the Kangaroos couldn't come at a better time than this weekend against rivals Essendon.
Reid's form has plateaued a touch over the past fortnight, but it hasn't stopped the young Eagle from offering some excitement during a dull afternoon on Sunday against Collingwood.
Reid's high-flying effort against the Pies adds to his building highlight reel, while the teenage sensation was able to finish the game with 17 touches, 10 contested possessions and three clearances in the loss.
Eight clangers hindered Reid's output, with the trailing pack of McKercher, Windsor, Wilson and Clohesy placing pressure on the young star's position at No.1 in our rankings.
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Disposals
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A matchup with Melbourne on Sunday back in front of a home crowd will be a perfect opportunity for Reid to get back to his best and again prove why he's sitting in the top spot.