Rookie Rankings: All 25 AFL debuts ranked

As Round 1 drew to a close, we saw 25 young footballers realise their dreams and make their AFL debuts on the big stage.

It is the most debutants across the opening two rounds of the season in some time and didn’t some of the latest draftees have an impact. Since player rating points were sourced and calculated, the debutants had the fourth highest combined ranking points ever, showing their ability to step up to the elite level instantly and make waves.

The resounding number of debutants is believed to be due to several factors. Firstly, the injury toll to many teams is far greater than we’ve seen in previous seasons at this stage of the year, which has seen stars of the game like Marcus Bontempelli, Zak Butters, Errol Gulden, Shai Bolton, and Mac Andrew fall short of the starting line.

But it’s also due to the fact that last year’s draft was spoken about as one of deepest and most talented draft pools, which saw the race for the number one pick more open than ever before. Many of the teenage sensations starred in their first games, while a magnitude of mature-age debutants also made their mark on the competition.

Here’s how every debutant faired across Opening Round and Round 1.

1.        Sam Lalor - Richmond (18 disposals, 11 uncontested possessions, eight score involvements, two goal assists, two goals)

Arguably the best debut performance of the lot, last year’s number one pick excelled under the bright lights of Thursday night footy. While his first half numbers were relatively subdued, Lalor looked comfortable at the level from the start and helped set up teammates in dangerous spots. It was in the second half when the Tigers were making their run, that he really made his mark. He kicked crucial goals early in the third and fourth quarters and had some massive contests that he halved or won on a night where a star was born.

2.        Murphy Reid – Fremantle (13 disposals, 10 uncontested possessions, seven score involvements and four goals)

Last year’s pick number 17 produced a glistening performance against a strong Geelong outfit. Having had only three disposals to half-time, Reid went on a war-path in the third term, registering nine disposals and kicking four brilliant goals in as many minutes. He oozes class and composure, and is set to produce some more brilliant performances in 2025. Look out AFL, there’s another Reid in town across in the West.

3.        Xavier Lindsay – Melbourne (22 disposals, six tackles, four inside-50’s and went at 82% disposal efficiency)

Although Lindsay narrowly missed out on going in last year’s top 10, the teenager has always had class and was one of the most talented youngsters in the country last year. From the moment the ball was bounced, Lindsay looked calm and composed, executing with brilliant skill in wet and tricky conditions. The game was heavily contested and pressurised, but his ability to use his legs and get to the outside was a highlight and Demons fans can look forward to this guy having wonderful games for the football club across the next 15 years.

4.        Levi Ashcroft – Brisbane (25 disposals, six score involvements, five marks and 495 metres gained)

Quite similar to Nick Daicos, if it hadn’t been for the father-son rule, Ashcroft would most likely have been the number one pick. In a close match against a quality opposition, Ashcroft looked right at home alongside his brother Will, attending centre bounces and being amongst many stoppages. He was able to rack up the footy and get the ball going his side's way with poise and skill. If this is what he can produce in game one, I am so excited for the impact he will have on the competition in the next few years.

5.        Isaac Kako – Essendon (14 disposals, six score involvements, three clearances and one goal)

The speedy small forward didn’t take long to announce himself on the big stage, as he kicked his first goal inside the first seven minutes of the match. Despite limited opportunities and slow ball movement from his team at times, Kako produced several flashes of brilliance, hitting the scoreboard on several other occasions and being part of scoring chains for Essendon. This kid will be a star and an absolute nightmare for any opposition defender in years to come, much the same as Nick Watson in his ability to produce freakish plays.

Kako impressed in the pre-season match kicking four goals.

6.        Max Hall – St Kilda (16 disposals, five marks, six score involvements and two goals)

The 22-year-old mature-age pick showed positive signs on a dark day for St Kilda. Despite the side being comprehensively beaten, Hall registered 1.2 in the first quarter, immediately having a scoreboard impact, and looking dangerous. He followed that up with another goal in the second term, showing his speed but also smarts and goal sense as major strengths of his game. It’s exciting to see what this kid can do as he continues to develop and get more games under his belt, but it looks like the Saints have found a beauty in Max Hall.

7.        Finn O’Sullivan – North Melbourne (16 disposals, four score involvements, three marks and 80% disposal efficiency)

Last year’s number two pick had a solid outing in his first game for the Kangaroos. Playing across half-back, he showed poise and class at times, while also displaying courage and his aerial ability to come across and impact contests against far bigger opponents. Look for O’Sullivan to be better for the run and play with some more flair and speed across the next few months. Exciting times ahead for the Roos and O’Sullivan no doubt.

8.        Luke Trainor – Richmond (15 disposals, five marks, five rebound 50’s and three one-percenters)

As he did in his limited minutes against Collingwood in the pre-season, the hybrid defender looked composed and displayed plenty of class in his debut against the Blues. Possessing a beautiful kick and great decision-making abilities, Trainor also had a couple of crucial contests, including a one-on-one at the wing and a goal-saving smother about 20 metres out from Carlton’s goal line. There’s was plenty of expectation on this kid and he certainly didn’t disappoint. Trainor is a player that I believe with develop very quickly and become a mainstay in the side soon.

9.        Lucas Camporeale – Carlton (20 disposals, five tackles, one clearance and three one-percenters)

Unfortunately not a debut to remember for Camporeale playing for his beloved Blues. However, he showed a bit and had no trouble finding the footy with a solid outing of 20 disposals, and his tackling intensity was impressive. His intensity and work rate was evident with 13 pressure acts and three marks. However, he only used the ball at 50 per cent and had five turnovers which ultimately cost him a spot higher on this list, but he definitely wasn't the worst player for the Blues on the night.

10.        Jack Henderson – Melbourne (13 disposals, four score involvements, three tackles and one goal)

As you would expect with a mature-age and seasoned footballer, the 25-year-old looked right at home on the MCG. He played on a half-forward flank and despite only getting the 13 disposals, he made every one of them count. He produced a memorable moment, dribbling through a goal while being tackled in the second quarter. He is a very good runner and a player that will certainly get more opportunities as a small forward and pushing into a few centre bounces as the season progresses.

11.  Harry Boyd – St Kilda (12 disposals, 27 hit-outs, four clearances and two tackles)

The mature-age big man started slowly but warmed into the game nicely. Doing most of the ruck work against the more experienced Reilly O’Brien, he certainly didn’t lower his colours in what was a relatively even battle. He is mobile and loves getting involved on ground level. He had the 27 hitouts and was able to give the side's wounded first-choice ruck Rowan Marshall a great chop out. Will be called upon regularly throughout the season, especially if Marshall struggles to get his body right.

12.  Riley Bice – Sydney (12 disposals, four score involvements, three rebound-50’s, two marks)

Despite coming on as the sub and only playing a quarter and a half of the game, dashing defender Bice took his chance when he came on. The 24-year-old is one of several mature-age products out of Werribee Football Club, and like the others he showed great composure and adaptability to the level. He took several bounces and provided great drive and run from half-back, helping break Brisbane’s defensive lines. He has a bright future and will only get better with more exposure.

13.  Jacob Konstanty – North Melbourne (10 disposals, one goal assist, six tackles and two one-percenters)

The zippy young forward played his role to a tee against the Bulldogs. The 20-year-old applied plenty of pressure, laying tackles and locking the ball in for his side. Set up a goal for Paul Curtis moments after a brilliant run-down tackle and was very selfless. Will be a fantastic teammate for seasons to come and could be the perfect pressure small forward for the Roos.

14.  Joe Berry – Port Adelaide (Nine disposals, six marks, 12 pressure acts and 89% disposal efficiency)

Looked good on debut, particularly early before fading out like the rest of his team. Providing a spark and presented well, taking six marks, and also attending a centre bounce to throw a different look at the Pies. He is a very classy left footer and used the ball well, despite his side often being under massive amounts of pressure and moving the ball clunkily. He has a bright future ahead and should be a handy small-forward who produces flashes of brilliance.

15.  Aidan Johnson – Melbourne (Seven disposals, five tackles, five one-percenters and one goal)

Even though some of his statistics didn’t look glamorous, the 25-year-old had a strong impact and helped nullify the GWS defence in tough conditions. He had three shots on goal, kicking one of them and laid brilliant pressure for a player of his size. Also had five one-percenters and is a lion-hearted, competitive beast that Melbourne fans will enjoy watching for years. Was drafted late in the national draft, but don’t be surprised if Johnson plays most weeks for Simon Goodwin’s side.

16.  Sam Davidson – Western Bulldogs (10 disposals, three marks, four tackles and one goal)

Another one of the mature-age players out of the VFL, Davidson got his chance on the back of an impressive pre-season campaign. He is an athletic and tall winger with a great running capacity and fits the mould of the modern footballer. He had some great moments, whether it was helping in the defensive 50 or helping set up scores, even kicking a goal of his own in the early parts of the match. Expect him to fill a void for the Doggies as they slowly get back some of their star quality in Bontempelli and Treloar. The 23-year-old looks to have a very promising future with what we’ve seen from him so far.

17.  James Leake – GWS (11 disposals, two marks, five score involvements and one goal)

After being a first round pick in the 2023 draft, Leake did not feature at senior level last year. He finally got his chance in Opening Round this season, showing wonderful signs that he could be a long-term player for the club. He kicked a goal, helped set up plenty of other scores and looked strong in and around the contest against the Pies. Leake will be hoping to get more exposure as the season progresses and to continue developing.

18.  Sid Draper – Adelaide (Eight disposals, four marks, two tackles, three score involvements)

After coming on as the sub late in the third term, pick number four Draper looked very comfortable. While his side was smashing the Saints and the game was all but over when he came on, he was clean and composed in the contest and is a highly-rated player. He’s already played senior footy for South Adelaide in the SANFL and is a supremely fit athlete. He will hope to shake the sub vest in the next few weeks and get a full game under his belt.

19.  Matthew Jefferson – Melbourne (Five disposals, two tackles, three score involvements and two goals)

After being drafted by the Dees back in 2022, Jefferson has had to bide his time for an opportunity, finally getting one on the weekend. Things couldn’t have started better for the promising key-forward, kicking his first goal just 16 seconds into the game, in what were unbelievable scenes at the 'G. While he floated in and out of the game, he excitingly flew for a few big grabs on occasions and also kicked a crucial second goal in the last quarter. Looks like a player Melbourne need to pump games into and a good career could follow.

20.  Archer Reid – West Coast (Six disposals, three tackles and six hit-outs)

The young key-forward/ruckman showed some good signs on a bad day for the Eagles. While he didn’t kick a goal, Reid showed his versatility by moving into the ruck and winning several contests against the experienced Jarrod Witts. He also followed up well at ground level, laying tackles and being an extra midfielder in the contest. While still very raw, I believe Reid could turn into a great footballer in a few years.

21.  Josh Dolan – Western Bulldogs (Five disposals, two marks, two tackles)

The young Bulldogs player had a quiet game but also played his role to help his side to victory. Had a wonderful pre-season and is a very creative midfielder/forward who possesses exceptional speed and dash. It speaks volumes of him to already be given an opportunity and he will strive for more games and experience as the season progresses.

22.  Harry Armstrong – Richmond (Five disposals, one mark, one tackle, one goal assist)

Like Aidan Johnson, the youngster’s stats didn’t look wonderful but had an important impact on the contest. He regularly crashed packs and attacked the contest with ferocity, while not letting his more experienced opponents in McGovern and Haynes take intercept marks. Love his competitive instincts, his mobility and composure for a big man. He displayed it well when he picked the ball up and kicked a laser pass into Jacob Bauer in the goalquare. Will get plenty of opportunities this season and has a bright future.

23.        Liam O'Connell – St Kilda (Seven disposals, three marks, two tackles and 86% disposal efficiency)

A quiet game for the 22-year-old defender who was probably fortunate to not be subbed out of the game, playing 93 minutes in the end. He did some good things and used the ball very well but didn't have a touch in quarters two and three, failing to consistently stay in the contest. It was a tough outing for the Saints and O'Connell but you can expect him to provide a bit more in future matches.

24.  Harvey Langford (Five disposals, one mark, one inside-50)

The big-bodied midfielder came on as the sub at the start of the last quarter and looked composed and strong over the contest in his short time on-field. Was pick six in last year’s draft and possesses a raking left-boot, while also being able to push forward, take big marks and kick big goals. You can look for him to get more game time and provide more of that as the year progresses.

25.  Tom Hanily – Sydney (Six disposals, three tackles, one mark and six pressure acts)

Hanily also made his debut in Opening Round, the same as Leake. He was the sub and looked good when he came on, providing a lot of pressure, and producing several run-down tackles. Will be a solid pressure forward and help Tom Papley and Will Hayward out as the season progresses. A bright future ahead for the 19-year-old.