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
6. Colby McKercher
Sanders' Tasmanian teammate, Colby McKercher, seems primed for an early look at AFL football.
Possibly the most electrifying player in the draft based on his performances last season, the number two pick is set to aid the North Melbourne midfield drastically.
Alongside the talents of Wardlaw, Duursma, and Luke Davies-Uniacke, North is looking very good for the next few years.
Averaging 29.4 disposals in 2023 for the Tasmanian Devils at the junior level, McKercher is a clear candidate for the best young player in the competition.
