Less than a month away from the opening game of the 2024 AFL season, clubs are beginning to get a strong idea of how they'll line-up to start the new premiership race.
With the early stages of the season comes plenty of debuts, with top draftees, second-year talents and long-serving sidemen eager to get their first taste of AFL action.
Every club is likely to blood new names this year, with some expected and others to come from the clouds for what will be a memorable occasion in their careers.
We've looked at the first-year rookies and those still waiting for a debut at each club to identify which players have the best chance of playing their maiden AFL match in 2024.
Geelong
Rookies: Shaun Mannagh, Oliver Wiltshire, Joe Furphy, Mitchell Edwards, Lawson Humphries, Connor O'Sullivan, George Stevens
Still waiting: Mitch Hardie, Oscar Murdoch, James Willis, Phoenix Foster
Most likely to debut in 2024: Werribee product Shaun Mannagh firms as a strong chance to line up at Kardinia Park against the Saints come Round 1, with the Norm Goss Medal winner among the most ready-made new names in the game. Top draft selection Connor O'Sullivan should get a look this year, while George Stevens is already built for the big leagues. If he can get a clean run, James Willis could be a good chance after showing some strong form in the VFL, while mature-aged mid-season recruit Mitch Hardie shouldn't be far off, given the Cats' midfield needs.
