The 2023 Draft class was headlined by one name and one name only.
Harley Reid didn’t take long to make an impact in the big leagues.
But what about the rest of his draft class and those other youngsters in their rookie year who have made an impact at the top level?
There is some serious young talent on display. There are a lot of young players who are going to be serious stars in this league.
With that in mind, let's look at the best 10 AFL Rookies for 2024 and who could take out the Rising Star award.
Darcy Jones – GWS Giants
He caught the eye with his magnificent, Giants coloured headgear.
Then Darcy Jones showed off what he could do with his speed and his skills.
While he may be small in stature, Giants fans know they have another good one here. Just adding to the production line of elite talent to keep arriving at the league’s newest footy club.
Kane McAuliffe – Richmond
It has been a tough watch for Tigers fans on the field in 2024. But the silver lining has been that it’s given them a chance to get a glimpse into their future.
Kane McAuliffe looks like he is one of the young cubs with a big future at Punt Rd. Based of course off the first handful of games in his short career.
Nate Caddy – Essendon
The young Bomber had to wait to be introduced to the bright lights of AFL Football, with the club holding off until the big stage of Dreamtime at the G to unveil their prized first-round selection.
With his strong physique and bleached blonde hair, Nate Caddy does not lack self-confidence. Which, above his footballing ability, gives Bomber fans so much hope for the future.
Nick Watson – Hawthorn
The man they call “The Wizard” has had his moments in the formative stages of his AFL career.
In his first handful of games, Nick Watson has shown that footy is a game for all shapes and sizes, Showing off some special things on the field.
We cannot wait to see him delve deeper into his bag of tricks as his career progresses.
Ryley Sanders – Western Bulldogs
There was plenty of debate before Sanders got to the Kennel as to where he would be eligible to get picked as an NGA candidate.
But the Dogs would be overjoyed that the supremely talented Sanders arrived at the Whitten Oval last year.
He is a socks-up operator who likes to hunt the ball and find it at will. A sight that Dogs fans will enjoy in their midfield for many years.
Jed Walter – Gold Coast
He was the first picked from the Gold Coast’s suite of academy selections this year, and in his first few games, Jed Walter has justified the wraps on him from his junior days.
He is a big power forward who can get on his bike and do things that not many others his size can do.
A special home-grown talent for the coasters who are going to reap the benefits of having him.
Darcy Wilson – St Kilda
The Saints fans are going to love Darcy Wilson.
The young winger fell to the Saints late in the first rounder and he has hit the ground running. Literally.
A shining light for the Saints and Ross Lyon, Wilson will just keep running and bobbing up in the right spots.
Colby McKercher – North Melbourne
While they continue to battle, the Kangaroos have continued to stockpile young talent on its list. And there is none more talented than Colby McKercher.
The Tasmanian has made a splash with his elite kicking across half-back a standout in his rookie season.
He is going to be a star.
Caleb Windsor – Melbourne
The boy from Lysterfield has become the Demons Speedy Gonzales on the wing.
If Speedy Gonzales could kick the football well – then we would get Caleb Windsor.
His speed, toughness, and skills have excited the Melbourne faithful with their next exciting young talent, who looks like he will be one of the best in his class.
Harley Reid – West Coast
There is something about a young prodigy who wears the number nine for the Eagles.
First, it was Ben Cousins. Then it was Nic Naitanui. But right now, Harleymania is running wild.
The hype around Harley Reid was there even 12 months before he got his first kick on an AFL footy field. Early days in his career, but he is well and truly lived up to the hype and is the new Prince of Perth.
It is going to be magnificent watching him.