Our Rookie Rankings have seen one change to the top eight after Round 20, with a host of numbers on the periphery edging closer to breakthroughs.
A young Lion has jumped into seventh after his return to the senior side, with his rise coming at the cost of an absent Pup.
With honourable mentions to the likes of in-form youngster Lawson Humphries, Billy Dowling, Calsher Dear and Josh Draper, there could be more change to come before we reach the end of the season.
Selection Criteria:Ā For ourĀ 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 DarcyĀ are ineligible, having already played anĀ AFL match before Round 1, 2024.Ā
Honourable Mentions:
Lawson Humphries (Geelong)
Josh Draper (Fremantle)
Billy Dowling (Adelaide)
Calsher Dear (Hawthorn)
Was managed for Round 20 at a time when Footscray were scheduled for a bye, giving Sanders a breather before the last month of the home and away season.
It could pay dividends for the teenager, but with fellow onballer Jack Macrae in a similar position and the Dogs having one of their best performances of the year, it may be hard to see a return for the Tasmanian.
Midfield
The Dogs host the Demons on a five-day turnaround this Friday, meaning the fresh legs of Sanders and Macrae could be required as they look to rise from eighth.
While wayward in front of goal - booting 0.3 for the day - Morris was again a lively presence in the front half for Chris Fagan, recording seven score involvements, including a goal assist.
His patterns and vision in attack are sure to excite Lions fans as Morris continues to impress in his maiden campaign in Queensland, with his return performance likely cementing his place in the senior side for another week at least.
Forward
Marks
Goal Assists
Disposals
The Lions head south on Sunday to face an in-form St Kilda outfit at Marvel Stadium, where Morris may have the chance to flex his forward craft in front of a local crowd.
Is inching closer to a top-five spot after a strong run of form as the Giants look to return to premiership contention in their home stretch.
Thomas collected 14 disposals and laid three tackles under trying conditions against the Demons on Saturday night, and should've broken through for a goal had it not been for teammate Jesse Hogan getting in the way on the goal line.
The Giants rookie went at 250 metres gained for the night and had four inside 50 entries to be a reliable conduit in Adam Kingsley's forward ball movement.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
GWS return to the Canberra region for Round 21, bringing Thomas closer to home as they prepare to face the Hawks in a thrilling bout at Manuka Oval on Sunday.
Clohesy's form has certainly plateaued since his stellar opening three games, with the Suns wingman finding plenty of the ball but struggling to have the same impact.
The mature-aged recruit recorded 17 disposals in Saturday's QClash loss for a return of just three score involvements and 132 metres gained - with 11 of his touches moved on by hand.
The form of Harvey Thomas has the young Giant in reaching distance of Clohesy's rung in our Rookie Rankings, but a clash against West Coast this weekend could see the Werribee product return to form.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Clearances
Gold Coast stand a chance to secure their first away win of 2024 when they head to Optus Stadium as they look to keep their season alive.
After returning to form last week, Wilson backed up that performance with a 17-disposal and nine-mark outing in the win over Essendon on Saturday.
That stint included a spell on the sidelines for a HIA, which he passed. Wilson was accurate with ball-in-hand, moving the Sherrin at 88 per cent and gaining 282 metres.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Wilson has fallen off the pace of the top three but could be rising back into contention with four games left in the season.
After finding some good form in his return from injury in recent weeks, the dashing Roos youngster missed Saturday's trip to his home state of Tasmania due to general soreness.
Hopefully, it's just the one week off for McKercher, who is likely to be in line for a return against Richmond this weekend for a match that could decide who claims the wooden spoon.
With four games left in the year, the teenager has a chance to rise to second before his debut campaign is over.
A difficult night for the Demons youngster as the weather played a part in limiting most on Saturday night.
Melbourne fell agonisingly short of a win over the Giants as many struggled to adapt to the conditions, including Windsor - who managed just four effective touches for the night.
He was able to lay four tackles and take as many marks in the tough conditions but it was otherwise an arduous evening for the Demons' top pick.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Marks
Windsor has the chance to bounce back on Friday night when Melbourne head to Marvel Stadium to face the Western Bulldogs.
A mixed night for Reid at Saturday's Western Derby, with the talented in the thick of a fiery contest while also playing a leading part for West Coast in the loss to their arch-rivals.
Reid finished the night with 29 disposals, 15 contested possessions and 10 clearances, but was costly with his use, going at 58 per cent efficiency, and recorded nine clangers - including five free against.
Reid gave his Dockers opponents as much as he took, which at times cost his side on the scoreboard as a direct goal chance was handed to Fremantle due to an off-ball incident.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Nevertheless, Reid was an entertainer and again thrived off the attention on centre stage, with Eagles fans only wanting more.