Which rookie AFL players will step up and become their team’s go-to man in season 2014? I started the list in part one with some surprising and some not-so-surprising predictions. But who else is set to breakout?
Hawthorn: Brad Hill
Once referred to as ‘Stephen’s brother’, Hill is making a name for himself in the AFL after two improved performances for Hawthorn.
Averaging only 16 disposals in 2013, Hill has made significant progress over the preseason and first two rounds, averaging 24 disposals this year. His outside run is a highlight, collecting 34 uncontested possessions, seven rebound 50s and five inside 50s across these games.
Against Brisbane, he went at 79 per cent disposal efficiency, well above the AFL average. From the first two rounds, 2014 looks to be Bradley Hill’s breakout year.
Melbourne: Dom Tyson
Newcomer Dom Tyson, the second pick in the 2011 draft, will be the big improver of 2014 after injury and form allowed him only 13 games in two seasons for the Giants.
In 2013, he averaged a miserly 13 disposals, three marks, one inside 50 and one inside rebound 50 a game.
Already, he has put his name up with the best in the competition, collecting 30 disposals against West Coast, the same amount as Luke Shuey and more than Chris Masten, Sharrod Wellingham and Matt Priddis.
In these two rounds he has averaged 31 disposals (10.5 contested) at 80.6 per cent disposal efficiency, 10.5 marks and four clearances.
The Demons took a massive risk in trading pick two (Josh Kelly) for Dom Tyson and pick nine (Christian Salem), but from the first two rounds he looks to be the best off season recruit.
North Melbourne: Shaun Atley
Shaun Atley, a midfielder/half-back flanker with electrifying pace and great skills, has struggled to find much of the ball in past seasons.
Ask anyone at North Melbourne however and they will say that he has the ability to become an elite player who regularly breaks lines with his run and carry.
In the first two rounds of the season, Atley has had 38 disposals (29 uncontested), 11 marks and has taken four marks.
If he can start to win more of his own ball, he will become a much better player. 2014 certainly looms as a breakout season for him.
Port Adelaide: Jack Hombsch
Port Adelaide is another team with a settled line-up with most players playing good, consistent footy and as a result there are only a few breakout contenders and Jack Hombsch is one.
The tall defender, preselected by GWS has struggled to cement a place in the best 22, with the big man being traded by GWS at the end of 2012.
He showed promise in 2013, playing six games, and has started the 2014 season in fine form, playing in both of Port Adelaide’s opening games.
He has effectively held down a key spot in defence, keeping dangerous Adelaide forward Lewis Johnston to just one goal after Johnston kicked three in the previous game against a more experienced defence.
Also, against Carlton he recorded a game high nine one per-centers to go with seven marks and three rebound 50s from a massive 98 per cent of game time.
Richmond: Ben Griffiths
A talented junior, Griffiths was selected with the 19th overall draft pick as a ruckman-forward but has only managed 21 senior games.
The most games he has ever played in one season was nine in 2012, but he has made good progress over the preseason, featuring in both of Richmond’s games in 2014.
Last year, Griffiths averaged six disposals, three marks, two tackles and did not kick a goal. Already this year, he has averaged 10.5 disposals, six marks (2.5 contested), one goal and five tackles.
He has looked far more damaging than ever, with poor goal kicking the only reason he has not kicked five goals in the first two rounds. If he continues his development, Griffiths will become great support for Reiwoldt and Vickery in years to come.
St. Kilda: Jack Newnes
A second round draft pick in 2011, Newnes has played predominantly as a half-back flanker and winger in his 27 appearances for the club.
In 2014 he looks to have taken up a permanent position in the midfield, averaging 22.5 disposals at an impressive 82.5 per cent disposal efficiency, six marks and three tackles a game.
In comparison, he only averaged 15 disposals, 4.5 marks and two tackles a game in 2013.
His class stood out against GWS in Round 2, collecting 26 disposals, four clearances and four inside 50s, acting as a vital member of St. Kilda’s midfield. Tom Hickey also looks set to have a breakout season.
Sydney: Harry Cunningham
The 93rd pick in the 2012 rookie draft almost missed his shot at AFL after being overlooked by so many clubs. After two years, he had only played six games.
The midfielder-forward has obviously impressed over the preseason, featuring in Sydney’s first two matches for the year.
This year Cunningham has increased his average disposals from eight a game to 14.5 a game, marks from two to 4.5 and tackles from 1.5 to 3.
But most significantly, his use of the ball has improved, sending the ball five times inside 50 (second to Shaw) against GWS and had a disposal efficiency of 100 per cent against Collingwood. Cunningham has been a highlight to a so far disappointing Swans midfield in 2014.
West Coast: Callum Sinclair
Scott Lycett and Callum Sinclair are both fighting for a spot in the Eagles best 22, with Lycett playing two more games than Sinclair in 2013.
Sinclair appears to be the favourite under new coach Adam Simpson, with the big man playing in both games so far.
At 200cm, Sinclair is able play forward and also help out in the ruck, having 23 hit-outs in his two games. If Sinclair can string together some games in 2014, he will add to an already imposing forward line and ruck duo of Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox.
Western Bulldogs: Jack Macrae
A talented youngster, Macrae was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft. Standing at 191cm tall and 83kg, adding 3cm and 10kg to his frame since he was drafted, the midfielder has taken another step forward in the opening two rounds of the year.
His elite decision making, precise kicking and evasiveness in traffic have drawn similarities to Scott Pendlebury.
Macrae was prolific against West Coast, collecting 31 disposals at 80.5 per cent disposal efficiency, seven marks and two classy goals. He was less prolific against Kangaroos with 22 disposals, but his class stood out in a generally scrappy game, with a disposal efficiency of above 90 per cent as well as a goal.
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