There's nothing quite like finals footy.
This time of year offers a chance at immortality and glory for a handful of the competition's best. Perhaps just as importantly, it offers a chance at icon status for a rare few who appear pre-destined for the bright lights.
Every club has players primed to explode in September, we know who to keep an eye on this year, it's one of the joys of the business end of the season, seeing individuals embrace the spotlight and elevate their game.
One of the other joys is seeing a young player come of age and have an impact. The entire point of rebuilds and the draft is to see the next generation flourish, to put a club on their back and inspire their teammates to go the extra mile.
We marvelled at Nick Daicos' impressive finals campaign in his debut season (where he averaged 24.3 disposals and 5 rebound 50's per game) and at Marcus Bontempelli's phenomenal finals series in 2016 where, in just his third year, he dominated the finals, winning a best and fairest in a premiership season.
His team mate Bailey Smith, in just his third year, was immense in 2021, putting together four games of the highest quality, including an unforgettable Semi-Final against the Lions where he had 27 disposals and kicked 3 goals. Slotting the match-winner from deep in the pocket earned him instant icon status, if not that, then his celebration certainly did.
As with every Finals series, this year's provides us plenty of candidates who can shape the fortunes of an entire club. To help narrow down the field, we've opted to go for players who have played under 50 AFL games, yet may just be built for September.
5. Melbourne - Jacob Van Rooyen
Despite their recent premiership success, the Demons have long-wanted a key forward to build their forward line around in a sustained way. In 2021 number 19 draft pick Jacob Van Rooyen, they appear to have found that man. Aggressive in the air and an elite shot for goal, Van Rooyen has quickly become a fan favourite.
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The Western Australian didn't see senior action in 2022 however his 2023 has been worth the wait, looking comfortable at AFL level against some of the biggest key defenders in the game. Alongside Bayley Fritsch and Kysaiah Pickett, Van Rooyen has helped create a young and dangerous forward line, one that's every chance to lead the Demons deep into September.
Going at 70% goalkicking accuracy, which ranks elite, he averages 3.2 marks and 1.5 goals a game and while the stats are perhaps not as impressive on paper, it's his presence in the forward line, one that has been crying out for a reliable target inside 50, that creates the most excitement.
The focus in September is frequently on the big men of the game, giving Van Rooyen a platform from which he can launch himself to stardom. If he continues to attack the football in the air with the same aggression that he has all season, he could provide even more spark to a dangerous Demons outfit.
