Our Rookie Rankings for 2024 has extended to a top six, with a second-year Bulldog and a Saints youngster breaking in for the first time this season following the change.
Every six weeks our rankings will expand with an additional wrung, with the first change of the year seeing two new faces named as GWS forward Harvey Thomas makes way.
The top end of our rankings has seen a new Sun move up two places, while the gap between first and second only grew further over the weekend.
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
Honourable Mentions
Jed Walter (Gold Coast)
Darcy Wilson (St Kilda)
Joshua Draper (Fremantle)
6. Hugo Garcia (NEW)
The young Saints midfielder comes into our Rookie Rankings after just five quarters of action, with the defensive-minded rookie impressing in his first full outing during Round 6.
Garcia, who was a super sub for the Saints against GWS last week, enjoyed a strong four-quarter performance on Thursday night despite the disappointing result against the Western Bulldogs.
The teenager recorded 14 disposals, nine tackles, 10 contested possessions and a goal in the loss to strengthen his prospects at selection for another week.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Garcia's strong pressure and contested work rate will likely be relied upon again this weekend when the Saints travel to South Australia to face Port Adelaide on Friday night.
