THERE has been debate in recent years about the relevance of the rookie list, but there can be no questioning some of the great players to have started their careers on it.

On Friday night, Western Bulldogs veteran Matthew Boyd – after a three-week exhile in the reserves – is set to run out for his 291st game, breaking West Coast ruckman Dean Cox's record (290 games) for the most games by a player who started on the rookie list.

Here AFL.com.au ranks the best 10 graduates of the rookie list.

Don't agree? You can have your say on history's best rookie via the poll below.

1. Dean Cox (West Coast)

The West Coast ruckman was the best big man of his generation, in some ways reinventing the role and changing the impact expected of players his size. Cox came to the Eagles as a gangly and uncoordinated prospect but turned into a champion, leading the club's brilliant midfield to its 2006 premiership. Cox became a high possession winner himself and was named an All Australian in six seasons, including four consecutively from 2005-08. He retired at the end of 2014 as the Eagles' leading games holder (290 games).

2. Matt Priddis (West Coast)

Priddis became the first rookie to win the Brownlow Medal when he claimed football's highest individual honour in 2014 in a surprise result. The consistent midfielder has built a career on finding the ball at stoppages and being a clearance expert. Now into his 12th season, Priddis remains a key cog in West Coast's midfield unit and is averaging 26 disposals in 2017.

3. Josh Gibson (Hawthorn/North Melbourne)

The former Roo made a big decision to depart North Melbourne and join Hawthorn, but it paid off handsomely. Gibson's importance to the Hawks' historic three-straight premierships between 2013-15 was underlined by the defender winning two of the club's best and fairest awards in the flag years. His capacity to zone off in defence and effect a spoil on forwards has made him a difficult opponent over a long period of time.

4. Stephen Milne (St Kilda)

Milne began his brilliant career on the Saints' rookie list, having impressed previously when starring for Essendon's 1999 reserves premiership. Milne went on to play 273 games and kick 574 goals for the Saints, the fifth-most goals on the club's all-time list. The small forward was one of the best at his craft in the competition and an integral member of St Kilda's successful era that came so close to clinching a flag.

Stephen Milne enjoyed an outstanding career. Picture: AFL Photos



5. Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle)

The Fremantle giant has been a dominant force in the ruck for 15 seasons, using his 211cm stature to palm the ball down to his midfield. Some injuries have hampered him in the latter stages of his career including his season-ending hamstring injury last week, but the two-time best and fairest winner and four-time All Australian has signed on to play again in 2018.

6. Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs)

Boyd's longevity will be made clear this week when he breaks the all-time games record for a rookie, but the tough and determined Western Bulldog has been plenty more than that. A ball magnet at his peak, Boyd's career was on the verge of collapse before Luke Beveridge took over as coach and reinvented him as a half-back, where he offered vital experience in last year's premiership.

• The Chase: Can Boyd become footy's most durable underdog?

7. Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney)

Sydney took a risk on the Irish-born Kennelly and he repaid them with a terrific career for the Swans over 10 years. Kennelly's vibrant running, pace and brilliant foot skills were a key element of the club's breakthrough premiership in 2005, when he played every game in the year. He retired at the end of 2011 as the League's best international rookie.

Brett Kirk was a heart-and-soul player for the Bloods. Picture: AFL Photos



8. Brett Kirk (Sydney)

The heart and soul of Sydney's 2005 premiership, Kirk grew to epitomise the club's hard, tough and selfless culture. He played 241 games for the Swans after fighting his way onto the senior list, and was also named an All Australian in 2004. His CV includes two best and fairests as well.

9. Dale Morris (Western Bulldogs)

Morris was a hero of last year's Bulldogs premiership win, playing in the Grand Final with two broken vertebrae. His tackle on Lance Franklin late in the game, which led to Tom Boyd's sealing goal, will go down in finals folklore. Morris played 17 games in his debut 2005 season and never looked back to become one of the Dogs' most reliable players.

10. Nick Maxwell (Collingwood)

From being lifted off the rookie list to lifting the premiership cup as Collingwood skipper, Maxwell's career had a startling rise. The defender was never the prettiest player but helped reinvent the art of 'dropping off' in the backline and intercepting opposition forward forays. He captained the Pies for five seasons, including their 2010 flag triumph.

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