IN MANY sports, the term ‘rookie’ refers to a first-year player looking to make a breakthrough.

But in AFL terms, rookies can be anything from speculative 18-year-old skinny forwards to rock-solid veteran midfielders getting one last crack.

While they may have to wait their turn to break into a club’s best 22, rookies can quickly become starting players then earn their place on a senior list for the next season.

The likes of Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (Essendon), Josh Wagner (Melbourne) and Tom Papley (Sydney) all found favour in just one season, while the at-times-controversial list also allowed the likes of Majak Daw (North Melbourne) and Jason Holmes (St Kilda) to shore up their futures.

Round 18

Heading into the 2017 AFL season, foxfooty.com.au takes a look at the rookies most likely to make a big impact at your club this year.

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ADELAIDE

At 26, it’s very much now or never for Jonathon Beech. After a strong season in the SANFL, where he booted 29 goals — and was elevated to the Crows’ senior list without playing an AFL game — Beech will look to convert that form into regular senior football this season. He made an appearance in the Crows’ JLT Community Series opener against Richmond but cruelly collected just one disposal before a calf injury ended his night prematurely. A powerful forward who can also push through the midfield, Beech shapes as yet another option for Adelaide’s dynamic forward line.

Adelaide’s Jonathon Beech picked up an injury against Richmond. Source: Getty Images

BRISBANE

The rookie list is all about second chances — and this is most apt for tough-as-nails midfielder Jake Barrett. A former NSW zone selection, the 21-year-old made just one appearance for GWS in three seasons — understandably given the wealth of midfield talent at the Giants. But Barrett has already made an impression at Brisbane, collecting 10 touches against the Suns before racking up 17 disposals, five tackles and a goal against the Western Bulldogs. Given the youth factor of Brisbane’s list, the likes of Matthew Hammelmann and Reuben William could also feature.

CARLTON

You won’t see too many better first goals in AFL football than Kym LeBois’ first against Melbourne in the JLT Community Series. The first-year forward has speed, class and silky skills — and crucially, a superb eye for goal. Taken with Carlton’s first pick in the 2016 Rookie Draft, he could feature regularly for the Blues in 2017 once he adapts to the pace of the game. It’ll take time for him to put on size, but there’s plenty to like about the South Australian youngster.

COLLINGWOOD

From Gold Coast reject to likely Collingwood starter, it’s been an interesting few months for Henry Schade. Given the Magpies’ limited key defensive stocks, there’s plenty of opportunity for the former Sun to cement a starting 22 spot. Schade has featured in both JLT Community Series games so far and has generally impressed. That said, big American Mason Cox should also feature regularly as a forward/ruck, providing support to Darcy Moore and Brodie Grundy in their respective roles. Cox booted three goals against Fremantle in the second pre-season clash.

Shaun McKernan kicked three goals against Collingwood. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON

While there are no standout names jumping out as best 22 regulars at this stage, Shaun McKernan has impressed in the pre-season so far. The pinch-hitting ruck/forward was excellent against Collingwood in the first JLT Community Series game, racking up 16 disposals, 15 hit-outs and booting three goals. Given the Bombers are still working out their best forward line mix and both Matthew Leuenberger and Tom Bellchambers have long injury histories, McKernan seems likely to be called upon again in 2017.

FREMANTLE

It’s tough to see any of Fremantle’s rookies playing too many senior games this season. Perhaps the best bet is Brady Grey. The 21-year-old midfielder averaged 17 disposals and seven tackles from his three AFL games to date. The rest of Fremantle’s rookies could be more in the ‘wait-and-see’ category.

GEELONG

He might be the younger brother of a senior Cat, but Zach Guthrie looks set to make a name for himself sooner, rather than later. The first-year defender has played in both of Geelong’s JLT Community Series games so far. Guthrie collected 18 disposals and had seven marks and three tackles against Adelaide, while he had 24 disposals and a goal in the loss to Hawthorn. While he may be superseded by more senior players early in the season, the signs are very promising for the Geelong youngster.

Zach Guthrie has joined brother Cameron at Geelong. Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: News Corp Australia

GOLD COAST

After a breakout season last year where he played 19 games, Ryan Davis should again feature at times for the Suns. In 2016, he booted 15 goals and had 30 score assists, showing the influence he can have up forward. He’s a bit of an anomaly, but ruckman-turned-defender Keegan Brooksby could also frequently feature, given his versatility.

GWS GIANTS

The definition of a ‘mature’ rookie, Tendai Mzungu arrived at the Giants with 183 games’ worth of experience. The versatile defender is largely at the club to provide experienced cover, but could easily feature throughout the season. Against the Eagles, Mzungu had 22 disposals, four inside 50s and a goal but was left out of the side against Sydney.

HAWTHORN

Another side that seems unlikely to be testing speculative rookies at senior level this season, the rookie most likely to feature is former Demon Jack Fitzpatrick. The 25-year-old offers cover as a ruckman, up forward and down back. While he’ll likely be used as a stop-gap measure, if at all, Fitzpatrick could easily play several games this season.

MELBOURNE

Son of former Demon Shaun, 21-year-old Joel Smith looks ready to make his mark at AFL level this season. A basketball convert — and Category B rookie — Smith impresses with his leap, athleticism and dash off half back. Smith had 13 disposals and four marks in his first JLT Community Series match against the Bulldogs, then backed up with 11 touches in his second game against Carlton. With the Dees needing more class and smarts down back, Smith could be the ideal medium-sized defender they’ve been looking for.

Melbourne rookie Joel Smith. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

NORTH MELBOURNE

With the exit of multiple veterans at the end of 2016, there’s opportunities aplenty for North’s youngsters to make their mark. One rookie to have done so already is young forward Cameron Zurhaar. The nuggety, aggressive 18-year-old showed some good signs against Hawthorn, with nine possessions and a goal. With North’s focus on youth, there could be a chance Zurhaar breaks into the team, with his height and size offering something a little bit different to the Kangaroos’ forward line.

PORT ADELAIDE

Originally drafted as a forward, second-year rookie Dan Houston is making his mark as a defender this pre-season. He had 15 disposals and five rebound 50s against Richmond, to go with 11 touches against St Kilda. Houston’s composure on the ball, combined with his good skills, strong marking and athleticism, has seen him rocket into contention for Round 1. Those traits are just what the Power need as they look to get back on track. Meanwhile, mature-aged forward Brett Eddy could also make his debut. At 27, having booted 74 goals at SANFL level last season, the key forward offers good cover for Charlie Dixon.

RICHMOND

In his first year at AFL level, Jason Castagna showed some good signs and will look to build on that this year. He got off to a good start in the JLT Community Series, booting three goals against Adelaide, while he also kicked a goal from 10 disposals in the win over the Power. That said, it’s worth keeping an eye on exciting first-year forward Tyson Stengle, who could easily find himself playing senior football with his eye for goal and ability to apply forward line pressure.

Jason Castagna kicked three goals against Adelaide. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia





ST KILDA

After an impressive first-up VFL season, where he averaged 21.3 disposals and a touch under a goal per game, Nick O’Kearney will look to take that form to senior level in 2017. While he hasn’t appeared at senior level as yet, O’Kearney has been in extended squads for the JLT Community Series. Meanwhile, big man Rowan Marshall could also get a look-in at some point, if any of St Kilda’s key defenders go down injured. His ability to play both in the ruck and down back adds flexibility to the Saints’ tall brigade. Generally, though, it seems the Saints’ rookies will only be on the fringe of selection, if at all.

SYDNEY SWANS

It’s not easy to break into Sydney’s team at the best of times, let alone if you’re a rookie selection. But VFL recruit Robbie Fox could well make some appearances this season. The running defender-turned-midfielder is tough, smart and at 23, has the mature body needed to slot into the Sydney team. He had nine touches against GWS and 16 disposals and a goal against North Melbourne. Meanwhile, ex-Giant and Bomber Shaun Edwards could also see some game time. He had 16 disposals and four inside-50s against North Melbourne.

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WEST COAST EAGLES

Another team who turned to a veteran in the rookie draft, the Eagles will likely make use of former Kangaroo Drew Petrie throughout the season. In the absence of Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett, Petrie shapes as a useful ruck option who can also swing forward and have an impact. The versatile big man had seven hit-outs and 11 disposals against Fremantle, while he didn’t play against GWS.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

It’s a real shame youngster Roarke Smith went down with an ACL injury in pre-season, otherwise he would have been in the frame for game time this season. Meanwhile, 19-year-old defender Brad Lynch impressed at VFL level last season, averaging 18.5 disposals across his 22 games. He featured in the JLT Community Series match against Brisbane, collecting eight disposals, while he had nine touches and a goal against Melbourne.