Following the completion of the 2023 AFL Draft, the Rising Star market has started to take shape.
West Coast’s No.1 draft pick Harley Reid has been installed as a firm $2.75 favourite with Sportsbet given the massive amount of hype surrounding him.
Last year, Harry Sheezel and Will Ashcroft were the Rising Star fancies with the North Melbourne starlet taking out the Ron Evans Medal ahead of the Brisbane young gun.
In 2024, there will be a host of new names vying for the prized award to become the AFL’s most talked about young player.
See the main contenders for the 2024 Rising Star award:
The favourite
Harley Reid (West Coast) - $2.75
He is the rightful favourite due to the fact he is expected to play AFL footy immediately for the Eagles.
Reid’s average disposal numbers at Under-18 level aren’t enormous, but his dynamism around the ball and his ability to finish will no doubt attract the eye.
But if he were to be beaten in Rising Star voting, who would it be?
The main challenger
George Wardlaw (North Melbourne) - $5
Wardlaw looked very, very good in his eight AFL appearances in 2023, particularly the two occasions in which he amassed 22 disposals.
His debut season was restricted by knee and hamstring injuries so if he can gain some continuity in 2024, then look out.
The no.4 pick from the 2022 draft looks the perfect candidate to poll well provided he is on the park regularly.
The players with experience
Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs) - $12
While he was taken in the 2021 Draft, Darcy is still eligible for the 2024 Rising Star as he’s yet to turn 21 and yet to play more than 10 AFL games.
Much like Sam De Koning (who was drafted in 2019 and finished second in the Rising Star in 2022), Darcy without doubt has it in him to break out as a quality AFL tall in his third season at the level.
It wouldn’t shock anyone if Darcy became a consistent best 22 contributor next season and if that helps the Bulldogs climb the ladder, there’s no doubt he’ll be right up there in the race for the award.
Elijah Tsatas (Essendon) - $10
After an injury-interrupted debut season, Tsatas will be intent on banking plenty of games for the Bombers in 2024.
He was a prolific ball winner at Under-18 level and proved that to be transferrable with two (of four) very solid senior games of 23 and 19 touches respectively last year.
The no.5 selection from the 2022 draft could appear to be an astute choice when forecasting next year’s Rising Star award, but all dependent on how many games he plays.
Contenders you must consider
Colby McKercher (North Melbourne) - $10
The Tasmanian is a prolific midfielder who averaged 33 disposals for the Allies at the National Championships and more than 29 touches per game for the Tasmania Devils in the Coates Talent League.
The Kangaroos are expected to blood more youngsters in 2024 and there is little doubt McKercher will be at the coalface of that.
McKercher was the joint winner of the Morrish Medal as the U18 league’s best and fairest last year, so he knows how to stand out.
Jed Walter (Gold Coast) - $8
One of Gold Coast’s four-player Academy haul in this year’s draft, Walter is also being tipped to feature regularly for his new club.
With a similar playing style to Carlton’s dual Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow, the athletic forward dominated the junior ranks and is ready to go at senior level.
While midfielders are the regular Rising Star winners, key talls have polled well in recent years including Luke Jackson who won it in 2021, Mitch Georgiades (third in 2021), Max King (third in 2020), Jye Amiss (fourth in 2023) and Curnow (fourth in 2017).
Nick Watson (Hawthorn) - $13
This year’s no.5 pick, Watson could be an excitement machine for the Hawks inside 50.
Smaller players typically take less time to get going, and Watson will no doubt be a good chance if he can kick more than 30 goals in his rookie season.
Based on projections, that seems well within his capability.
Daniel Curtin (Adelaide) - $18
Adelaide traded up to get their man in the draft and Curtin could make an instant impact in 2024.
A taller defender that can play anywhere, it’s easy to see Curtin slotting straight into the Crows’ best 22 given defence was their clear weak point in 2023.
If he helps transform their defence into even league-average, he’ll have had a strong campaign.
Ryley Sanders (Western Bulldogs) - $18
A midfielder that looks ready-made, the Tasmanian is as consistent as they come.
Other players in his draft class may show flashes and go hot and cold, but Sanders looks like the player that will deliver from the get-go.
If he gets some time in the Dogs’ midfield alongside Marcus Bontempelli, he’s worth having a serious look at.
The smokey
Angus Sheldrick (Sydney) - $51
A bit of a smokey, but Sheldrick is every chance to be a big contributor for the Swans in 2024.
Like Sam Darcy, Sheldrick was drafted in 2021 and has played nine AFL games so far, just making him eligible for the award.
If he has a big pre-season and breaks into Sydney’s midfield, he’s absolutely one to keep an eye on. He could be Luke Parker’s long-term replacement.
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