Things are tight in our AFL Rookie Rankings ahead of the final round of the 2024 season, with a majority of our top eight a chance to shuffle spots before our rankings are locked in for the year.
The eighth and last place is arguably the most up for grabs, with a host of young guns outside of our rankings still in the mix heading into Round 24.
Currently occupied by Hawks ace Nick Watson, the last spot could undergo a swap should Watson have a poor end to his home and away campaign.
This week has seen spots three through five change, with all three sports able to change again before our final rankings.
Selection Criteria:ย For ourย 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 Darcyย are ineligible, having already played anย AFL match before Round 1, 2024.ย
Round 23 Honourable Mentions:
Archie Roberts (Essendon)
Darcy Jones (GWS)
Joel Freijah (Western Bulldogs)
Lawson Humphries (Geelong)
5. Shaun Mannagh (+2)
The Geelong mature-aged recruit booted multiple goals for the fourth straight week, with his efforts against the Saints on Saturday also netting him a career-high 21 disposals.
The two majors see Mannagh sit eighth in the competition for goals per game from midfielders in 2024, with the Werribee product going at 1.11 each outing from his nine appearances.
While it wasn't the result the Cats were after, Mannagh played one of his best games to earn a bump in our Rookie Rankings.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
A spot in the top four is unlikely, but Mannagh can at least secure fifth with another formidable performance against West Coast this week.
