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.
RELATED: EVERY PLAYER ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2024 RISING STAR AWARD
The second-year Kangaroo entered 2024 as an eligible contender given he played just the eight games in his debut season.
Wardlaw has played all but one game so far this year and has been brilliant for Alastair Clarkson despite the club's winless season so far.
Averaging 17.7 disposals, 4.0 marks, 3.9 tackles and 4.3 clearances per game, Wardlaw is as good a chance as anyone on this list to claim the Rising Star Award should his form continue.
The former Pick 4 selection already has his nomination for the year, having earned the nod in Round 3 after collecting 23 disposals, five clearances and a goal against Fremantle.
The second Roo on our list, McKercher's debut campaign was put on pause weeks ago after it was revealed the speedy Tasmanian was dealing with a foot issue.
The Pick 2 selection is in line to return as early as this weekend, and if he can resume the form he put forward before his injury then it'll be hard to stop him from taking out the Rising Star crown.
McKercher had three successive games of 30 or more disposals before being sidelined, bringing his season averages up to 20.7 disposals and 4.11 marks - including a game of just 11% time on ground due to injury.
Utilised in defence to start his career in the blue and white, McKercher has been a welcomed addition given his run and clean ball work from the back half.
The Cats livewire was quick to remind everyone of his Rising Star prospects over the weekend, booting three goals from 27 disposals in a match-winning performance against Richmond.
That outing added to a strong start to 2024 for the third-year Geelong forward, who started like a house on fire with three goals and 15 disposals in Round 1 - which won him his Rising Star nomination.
The Cats' poor form over the past month might've kept Dempsey out of the mind of most, but with the Rising Star race alive for the 21-year-old, many will fancy his chances.
Holding a big role in a contending club is sure to favour Dempsey come the end-of-season voting, but his chances of success could rely on how the Cats' campaign ends up.
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.
Another wingman who has been a staple in his club's plans across the opening 12 rounds, Windsor is every chance to take out the Rising Star Award if his form so far this year is anything to go by.
While he may not put up the same numbers as Wilson, Windsor has often had a large impact on a number of wins for the Demons with his ability to run out games with plenty in the tank.
The teenager booked his Rising Star nomination in Round 8 when the Demons edged past a then-undefeated Geelong outfit, with the speed Demon booting a goal from his eight touches in a mature performance.
One of a few to have played every game this year, Windsor could be on the end of some votes given his longevity across the season and role in a contending club.
Roberts was the first to earn a Rising Star nomination in 2024, having made an instant imprint in a new role across half-back for Sydney.
The South Australian has since continued to put his stamp on the Swans' premiership pursuit, often being a go-to asset in defence as they look to move the ball from their backline with speed and precision.
Roberts had the best game of his young career in Sydney's only loss for the season, collecting 27 disposals, eight marks and five inside 50s in the defeat to Richmond in Round 3.
With an established role for the premiership favourites, you can discount Roberts from the Risung Star race.