Welcome to this week’s ‘Rookie Watch’, where we take a closer look at rookie players who performed well over the weekend and assess their potential for future AFL Fantasy scoring. As we all know, rookies can be a make or break in AFL Fantasy, and finding those hidden gems early can give you a significant advantage over your competitors. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s players in focus

Josh Weddle

Hawthorn’s Josh Weddle again showed his ability to find the ball and score well against the Power. However, like the team itself, he really struggled early, managing four touches in the first and three in the second, as Port showed why they must be considered a contender. Although the game was already iced, the Hawks had a much better second half and Weddle got more involved, managing eight and ten disposals in the third and fourth quarters respectively in his half-back role. He took some terrific marks and is one of those young players who looks to just have ‘it’. In terms of fantasy, I think we could see Weddle become one of the higher-scoring key defenders, not too dissimilar to teammate James Sicily. Like the best fantasy defenders his scoring will be heavily reliant on disposals and marks. However given his athleticism, Sam Mitchell would have to be tempted to use him as a big-bodied midfielder at times. Overall, the future looks very bright for Weddle, who should be another strong fantasy scorer from what looks to be a strong draft.

Harvey Harrison

Collingwood wingman Harvey Harrison earned a debut against the Eagles in round 12 after some solid showings in the VFL since being drafted in 2021. Has struggled with injuries since entering the system but Harrison was a noted strong fantasy scorer as a junior, who averaged 25 disposals, six marks, 4.5 tackles and 100 points. Thought he might have started as the sub but lined up at half-forward and looked quite comfortable at the level without having big numbers (eight disposals, four tackles, three marks and a goal). Will obviously be tough for Harrison, or any Pies rookie to break into the midfield or wing spots. Job security is an issue and I’m not sure his scoring will be all that high early. A promising debut and one who might push for a wing role once Sidebottom hangs them up, so a watch on Harrison.

Mitch Knevitt

Geelong’s Mitch Knevitt has played nine games now and his performance against the Dogs was his best fantasy-wise. No need to remind you, Geelong’s midfield unit is decimated at the moment and may ultimately prove fatal in their quest for a back-to-back flag. However, the silver lining is we get to see young players like Knevitt. He played on the wing and looked very solid, finding the ball but also laying seven tackles for a score of 91. At 193cm, he has the size to play almost anywhere but inside midfield should be where he ends up. Does he score this well when the big guns are back? No, but I can see Knevitt retaining his spot in the line-up. I was a fan pre-draft and I reckon we’ll see Knevitt continue to show his high potential and capitalise on his extended minutes.

Oisin Mullin

Irishman Oisin Mullin is another who has benefitted from the Cat’s unfortunate injury ward. Word is he was the Nick Daicos of Gaelic Football back in Ireland, and he’s honestly looked very comfortable at the AFL level. Love his awareness in traffic, which could suggest he works well in a midfield role. It’s still too early to make a call on his future, but early signs are positive and I reckon he becomes a utility capable of filling a variety of roles. Will be keeping a close eye on him throughout the remainder of the year.