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
5. Ryley Sanders
A versatile midfielder, the Bulldogs will be pleased with their recent top draft selection of Ryley Sanders.
Sanders has perhaps the cleanest skills bar from last year's draft pool, while his attitude towards the contest is also a huge bonus.
With the Bulldogs' midfield taking a hit with the injured Bailey Smith, Sanders could waltz into the side and take the competition head-on.
During the Talent League and National Championships, Sanders never dropped below 25 disposals per game and averaged 33 for the year, a phenomenal feat. Expect him to bring that to the AFL.
