It's that time of year when things start to ramp up. The 2024 AFL season is getting closer and closer, and with that, plenty of eyes will be on the new recruits in the AFL.

Arguably the most talked about draftee in years, every AFL fan is eagerly awaiting Harley Reid's debut. The young star is already a household name and fans cannot wait.

To recognise these new recruits, the Rising Star Award will be presented to the best young player in the 2024 season. With that being said, a player doesn't need to be in their first year of football. The player must simply be 21 years of age or under as of January 1 this year and have played a maximum of ten senior AFL games prior to the new season's commencement.

In this list of nine possible winners, four are brand-new AFL recruits, whilst the other five have been in the competition for at least a year.

Note:ย The players listed are in no particular order, simply the nine potential winners we've selected.
READ: FULL LIST OF 2024 RISING STAR ELIGIBLE PLAYERS

4. George Wardlaw

The Roos' big-bodied bull, George Wardlaw is set to take the competition by storm in 2024.

After an injury-riddled first season, the fourth pick in the 2022 draft impressed in the second half of the season.

With a knack for simply attacking the footy, and attacking it hard, Wardlaw is a traditional strong midfielder the Roos have been missing.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: George Wardlaw of the Kangaroos looks to pass the ball during the round 10 AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium, on May 20, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Whilst not necessarily silky with the footy, his ability to run through opposing midfield packs makes him a serious contender for the award.