The race for the 2024 Rising Star honour has become a much tighter fight after the two award favourites were ruled ineligible due to suspension over the weekend.
2024 Pick 1 selection Harley Reid was the clubhouse leader for the award after his scintillating start to life in the AFL, while Western Bulldogs forward Sam Darcy looked to be the only young gun contending with Reid for the title heading into Round 12.
But with both players handed suspensions* for rough conduct, they now find themselves out of the race for the Rising Star Award, with the door now open for several other contenders heading into the second half of the season.
Here we've narrowed that list down to SIX players who stand a good chance to take out the award following the recent curveball.
*Reid and West Coast will challenge the suspension, however are more likely to reduce the ban than have it removed.ย
RELATED: EVERY PLAYER ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2024 RISING STAR AWARD
4. Darcy Wilson
Likely seen as the favourite for the Rising Star following the ineligibly to Reid and Darcy, with Wilson one of the most consistent performers among those in the running for the award.
The Murray Bushrangers' product has played in all 12 games under Ross Lyon this year, with his rookie season so far culminating with a 21-disposal and three-goal game against North Melbourne in Round 8.
Wilson managed to secure his nomination two weeks prior with a strong performance against Port Adelaide, a game that started a five-game purple patch for the Saints rookie.
Slotting onto the wing or at half-forward for St Kilda this year, Wilson is holding a big role in his side's system as they look to move the ball with pace.
