Over the course of the bye rounds, SEN will be breaking down top 10s in various categories from the 2018 season.
Today, we'll be re-selecting the 2017 National Draft, ranking the top 10 performers so far this season.
While there is some undoubted talent developing, this list will delve into which players have had the most impact for their clubs so far in 2018.
In a list of just 10 players, there are some unlucky to miss out – namely Paddy Dow, Darcy Fogarty and Zac Langdon.
So after 13 rounds of football, who have been the standout debutants?
1. Jaidyn Stephenson (Collingwood) – pick 6
Jaidyn Stephenson has burst onto the scene in 2018 with his sheer pace, classy ball use and great composure. The imposing 188cm star is a dangerous proposition inside 50 for the Pies, kicking 18 goals to this point of the season. But arguably Stephenson’s most valuable quality is his ability to perform on the big stage. A career-high five goals came against the Crows at Adelaide Oval on a Friday night in round four, while he also starred in both the ANZAC Day and Queen’s Birthday blockbusters.
2. Tim Kelly (Geelong) – pick 24
While Geelong’s star-studded midfield looked set in stone at the start of the year, Tim Kelly has cemented his spot in the side with consistent performances in the centre. The 23-year-old was a mature aged recruit for the Cats and has played all 13 games in 2018. Kelly has amassed 274 disposals at an average of 21 per game, with 142 contested possessions and 50 tackles for the year. He has had a sensational start to his career and is one of the best first year players in the league.
3. Ed Richards (Western Bulldogs) – pick 16
The classy left footer Ed Richards made his debut against West Coast in round two and hasn’t missed a match since. Richards averages 15 disposals in his 11 games, consistently delivering for his struggling Bulldogs side. While Richards has most commonly found a role rebounding off half-back, the 18-year-old was swung forward against Port Adelaide last Friday night and slotted three goals in a dominant second quarter contribution.
4. Bayley Fritsch (Melbourne) – pick 31
After claiming the Fothergill-Round Medal for the best young talent in the VFL last season, Bayley Fritsch was drafted as a mature aged player and has had an instant impact in 2018. The 21-year-old has played 11 of 12 possible games for the Demons this season, using his silky skills to damage opposition sides when going forward. After starting the season as an inside 50 target, Fritsch has spent extended time on the wing in recent weeks, averaging 22 disposals in his last five matches.
5. Jack Higgins (Richmond) – pick 17
Breaking into the reigning premier’s outfit is no easy task, but Jack Higgins has managed nine games so far in 2018. The lively 177cm forward has provided a spark for the Tigers, kicking seven goals in his first three games as he burst onto the scene. Higgins has gathered between 12 and 16 disposals each week, consistently playing his role and adding to Richmond’s forward pressure with 23 tackles.
6. Adam Cerra (Fremantle) – pick 5
Adam Cerra was the second of Fremantle’s first round picks in the 2017 National Draft and he has lived up to the expectations thus far. After debuting in round two, Cerra has played 12 consecutive games with his breakout match coming against the Crows in round 12. The 18-year-old became the second youngest player to ever record a perfect 10 coaches votes for his 30-disposal outing against Adelaide in the Dockers' three-point victory.
7. Aaron Naughton (Western Bulldogs) – pick 9
Aaron Naughton settled into the AFL quickly playing the first eight games of the season and making a strong start to his career for the Dogs. The key defender hasn’t taken to the field since rolling his ankle against the Lions, but showed some promising signs early in the year. At 195cm, Naughton negated some of the league’s best tall forwards and has been rewarded with a contract extension to 2020.
8. Andrew Brayshaw (Fremantle) – pick 2
The brother of Melbourne’s Angus Brayshaw was one of the most spoken about draftees prior to the season and has delivered well in the early stages of the year. Andrew Brayshaw made his debut in round one and has played every game for the Dockers this season. The hard working midfielder has been building his form and in the past two weeks, recorded a career-high 20 disposals against both Adelaide and Carlton.
9. Cameron Rayner (Brisbane) – pick 1
In a talented pool, Rayner was the highest touted youngster of last year’s draft, taken by the Lions with pick one. Rayner was dealt the undeniable pressure of being the highest selection, but has coped with it well playing every game for Brisbane so far in 2018. The future star midfielder has spent a lot of his time up forward, averaging 13 disposals and kicking eight goals for the season. He has been a solid contributor for the Lions and may very well become the best of this draft in years to come.
10. Matt Guelfi (Essendon) – pick 76
The third-last selection of the 2017 National Draft was mature aged recruit Matt Guelfi. The 20-year-old was thrown an opportunity by the Bombers after being overlooked in the previous two drafts, and he has taken the chance with both hands. Guelfi has played seven matches in his debut season, averaging 17 disposals and three tackles per game.