AFL Round 1 rookie report

The start of every AFL season is anticipated for many reasons, but the most exciting is watching the youngsters.

Whether you’re a supercoach guru looking for cash cows, a fellow young player or just your regular footy fan, people love seeing debutants stepping out on the big stage.

Last weekend we saw some standout performances from the competition’s newest players. Here are the best five from Round 1.

1. Errol Gulden (Sydney)
Out of 23 debutants, there was none better than Sydney youngster Errol Gulden.

Overlooked by 14 clubs and taken at pick 32 in last year’s draft, Gulden proved he is a serious contender for the Rising Star. Three goals and three goal assists went with 19 disposals at an amazing 84 per cent efficiency.

He also took an impressive ten marks and helped out the midfield with seven inside 50s, the Swans’ forward showing real potential in a side that upset one of the premiership contenders.

2. Matt Flynn (GWS)
While he was only competing against a fellow debutant in Paul Hunter, few expected Matt Flynn to dominate the game like he did.

With 34 hit outs and 18 disposals, the big Giant proved he could fill the shoes of injured ruckman Braydon Preuss.

Flynn went at 88 per cent disposal efficiency – a remarkable figure for a ruckman – and contributed around the ground with five clearances and five inside 50s.

3. James Rowe (Adelaide)
Rowe showed why 60 per cent of fans had him in their supercoach teams, with an inspiring performance that helped the Crows pull off what will be one of the upsets of the season.

Rowe brought grit and determination to a young forward line, kicking two majors and adding five score involvements. He was good in other areas too, collecting plenty of ball, finishing the game with 16 touches and five marks.

4. Logan McDonald (Sydney)
The second Swan to make the list, last year’s number four pick played up to high expectations.

Standing up in the absence of key forward Lance Franklin, the 18-year-old booted three goals, the first of his career being a running shot from 50m. McDonald had 11 disposals and five marks to go with his three majors.

5. James Jordan (Melbourne)
Playing his first game after being picked by the Demons in the 2018 draft, James Jordan repaid his clubs patience with a fantastic debut. A solid performance from the 20-year-old, Jordan had 15 disposals to go with one goal. But it wasn’t just his presence with the ball that would have impressed coach Simon Goodwin, Jordan also impacted the game with five tackles and 24 pressure acts, the third most on ground.

Warming the bench
Tyler Brockman helped Hawthorn win in a thriller, kicking two goals and St Kilda defender, and Thomas Highmore looked good with 19 possessions.

Bulldogs youngsters Lachlan McNeil and Anthony Scott showed promise, while Essendon debutant Harrison Jones would have catapulted his way into the top five had he kicked straighter.