The investment in former basketballer Hugh Greenwood has paid off with his seamless transition to the Crows' midfield. Another mature-aged recruit, Jono Beech, has also contributed to the senior side. Ex-cricketer Alex Keath, 25, looks a likely key position prospect in attack or defence. Father/son recruit Ben Jarman will be given time to develop, while ruckman Paul Hunter might not be retained. 

Jonathon Beech
The West Adelaide premiership winner has played the past three games after making his debut in the round 12 win against St Kilda. The 26-year-old has been handy on a half-forward flank.

Hugh Greenwood
Years of attempting to get the US college basketballer to return to football have paid off. A tough inside midfielder, the 25-year-old has played six games after making his debut against the Brisbane Lions in round nine. Greenwood joined the Crows at the end of 2015 as a Category B rookie.

Paul Hunter
The 24-year-old – recruited from NEAFL club Redlands - is the third ruckman at the Crows behind Sam Jacobs and Reilly O'Brien. Sharing the ruck duties in the SANFL with O'Brien and also plays up forward.

Ben Jarman
The son of Crows legend Darren has improved with every game in his first season of senior football. Playing as a half-forward and on a wing, Jarman's pace has been his standout attribute in the SANFL, while the 19-year-old has also kicked a couple of cracking goals.

Alex Keath
The former Victorian cricketer joined the Crows at the end of 2015 as a Category B rookie. Has played most of this season as a key forward in the SANFL, but the 195cm swingman recently returned to defence. - Lee Gaskin

The Lions have generally gone for some slightly more mature bodies to fill out their list in the past year or two. In Barrett they got a player ready to contribute at AFL level, while Grewar and McInerney were both proven at lower levels. The rest are a mix of size and pace, with some difficult decisions come the end of the season.

Jake Barrett
The mature recruit from GWS has excelled in his first season. Elevated to the senior list, Barrett has played 11 games as a small forward, kicked nine goals and averaged five tackles.

Matthew Eagles
Won 'The Recruit' reality TV program and has made a big improvement as a Category B rookie. Played mainly as a defender, but spent time forward and in the ruck. Hard to see him playing senior footy, but battles hard and might get another year.

Blake Grewar
A proven NEAFL performer, the 24-year-old former Redland ball-magnet has developed into a pressurising small forward. Has been a year of education and needs to continue improving.

Matthew Hammelmann
In his third year, Hammelmann has been thrust back to the forward line after a year in defence. He is a terrific athlete, quick and marks the ball well, but needs to improve on his aggression with repeat efforts. Has a future.

Cian Hanley
The younger brother of Pearce, Cian has finally got on the field in his third year after a horror run of injuries. While the skills are still on the improve, Hanley keeps his feet in the contest and has great potential. He'll be back in 2018.

Mitchell Hinge
The teenage South Australian has settled at half-back in the NEAFL and made a good fist of things. Is aggressive, has a long left boot and is capable of playing senior footy.

Oscar McInerney
The 22-year-old giant is having a terrific first season. For someone standing 204cm, McInerney is great at ground level, has excellent hands, and has kicked 17 goals when going forward in the NEAFL. Needs to add a bit more aggression, but has a real chance and should be around next year.

Reuben William
Possessed with blistering speed, William has been hampered by injury. He's played as a small forward as well as a running defender and needs to work on his disposal to become a regular senior player. - Michael Whiting

The Blues have shown faith in their rookies this year and are using the list to address specific needs. Korcheck and Sheehan are project players, Gallucci and Lebois are small forward options and the Blues hold high hopes for Glass-McCasker. The mature-aged Silvagni is the only rookie to earn senior selection this season.   

Andrew Gallucci
Second year on the rookie list for the small forward after his 2016 season ended prematurely because of a shoulder injury. Provides excellent forward pressure and has displayed superb goal sense. 

Jesse Glass-McCasker
Has recovered from a jaw injury earlier this season to regain a regular VFL spot. Key defender who does not win a lot of the ball, but competes hard in the one-on-one contests.

Matt Korcheck
The American has taken on more responsibility in the ruck with the injuries to Andrew Phillips and Daniel Gorringe. Learning the craft, but is still a fair way off the elite level.

Kym Lebois
Showed some exciting glimpses in the JLT Community Series before injuring a quad, which set him back for a while. Has speed and excellent skills, but struggling to make his mark at VFL level.

Ciaran Sheehan
Feel-good story for the Blues this season, with the Irishman upgraded to the senior list and playing his first game at AFL level in almost three seasons last Saturday. Can be an important player in the remaining games with his elite kicking skills.

Alex Silvagni
Former Docker had an immediate impact when elevated in round six, doing a superb job on star Swan Lance Franklin. Has been missed since injuring his knee against GWS in round 12. - Howard Kotton

The Magpies have traditionally enjoyed great success with rookies, with six members of the club's 2010 premiership team rising from their rookie list. As their current batch shows, the Pies have used the rookie list for various purposes – to provide an opportunity for youngsters who missed out on the national draft, to develop raw project players like US import Mason Cox, and to give another chance for mature-age types like Henry Schade and Josh Thomas (who was retained after serving a doping ban).

Mason Cox
A third-year international rookie, the 'American Pie' has played 16 AFL games for 22 goals and is fresh from a three-goal effort. However, we are still none the wiser as to whether the 26-year-old forward/ruckman will become a bona fide AFL player. Needs more opportunities before a proper assessment can be made.

Max Lynch
The 18-year-old ruckman from Jindera, near Albury, has steadily improved his craft and in his past two outings has averaged 25 hitouts. Yet to take many marks or win much of the ball, but the Pies hope that will come.

Liam Mackie
The Pies would love for the first-year rookie from South Australia to develop into a rebounding defender even half as good as his cousin, Geelong veteran Andrew Mackie, and the 18-year-old has made a moderate start in the VFL. Worth persisting with.

Mitch McCarthy
The former basketballer, 19, overcame a serious foot injury and then early-season soreness, but the ruck/key-position prospect has shown enough to suggest he has the potential to rise to AFL standard.

Henry Schade
The former Suns key defender, 23, was one of the early bolters in his first season with the Pies, keeping Swans superstar Lance Franklin goalless in round three. Played eight of the opening nine rounds before being dropped after a couple of shaky performances.

Josh Thomas
It was always to be tough for the 25-year-old to find a spot in a strong midfield group after a two-year doping suspension, but he finally did it on Sunday and made a reasonable fist of it. Pressure is on to perform. - Ben Collins

American Pie Mason Cox had a breakout game against the Hawks with three goals. Picture: AFL Photos

Essendon's most recent rookie success story is Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, who the Bombers grabbed at the end of 2015 after his improved form at VFL level. McDonald-Tipungwuti has quickly developed into a cult figure and fan favourite at Essendon with his pace, polish and pressure, and has booted 22 goals this season. The Bombers will also have been pleased with the development of former category B rookie Conor McKenna, who they recruited from Ireland and who has become a dashing defender.  

Sam Draper
The Bombers are excited by what Draper has shown in his first season at the club, particularly after missing all of the pre-season through injury. They grabbed the athletic big man with the first pick at last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft and he has got a few talking about his potential.

Yestin Eades
The small forward was released from his contract earlier this year and will be formally delisted at the end of the season. He did not play a senior game for the Bombers after being drafted in 2015 and then downgraded to the rookie list this year.

Jake Long
Long's position on the list will be in jeopardy if he can't break into the senior side in the final stretch of games this season. The lively half-forward/wingman, who is the son of Essendon great Michael, played the final three games of last season but hasn't added to that tally in 2017.

Shaun McKernan
McKernan ran out for the Bombers two weeks ago and booted two goals in their loss to Sydney, but he is more of a back-up ruckman/forward option than a first-choice pick. McKernan has played 52 games in his career but hasn't been able to become a consistent AFL option.  

Ben McNiece
Essendon handed the Category B rookie a debut in its Anzac Day win over Collingwood, and he played one more game being left out of the senior side. The hard and tough small defender is probably being kept out by some quality options the Bombers have in those area at senior level, but he can come in and do his bit. He seems a good chance to be kept on the list. - Callum Twomey

The Dockers have used their rookie list for development and to offer some delisted players another chance at making the big time – a policy which has seen Brady Grey and, to a lesser extent, Josh Deluca seize their opportunities this year. Ryan Nyhuis is close to becoming the third rookie to play this season.

Josh Deluca
Made his long-awaited debut against Geelong in round 14 after originally being recruited in the same 2014 draft as Connor Blakely, Lachie Weller and Ed Langdon. Will hope for more opportunities on the run home.

Taylin Duman
The rangy 19-year-old has settled in at Peel averaging 16.9 touches in 10 games in his first season on Freo's rookie list.

Brady Grey
Brought some tenacity to the forward line in round three and has played every game since, bar one due to a hamstring. Averaging 4.7 tackles and kicked eight goals. The 2013 draft pick has grabbed his chance after being delisted last year.

Ryan Nyhuis
Was close to an AFL debut before the bye after overcoming a shin injury to start the season and performing strongly at Peel to earn elevation to the senior list. Good-sized defender in his second season.

Luke Strnadica
Raw forward-ruck has averaged nearly 10 disposals and booted six goals in 10 League games for the Thunder in his first season at Fremantle.

Matthew Uebergang
Showed promise last year in the WAFL before suffering a serious hamstring injury midway through the season and is unlikely to be seen at all this year. His future is clouded. - Travis King 

Five new names joined James Parsons on the Cats' rookie list at the end of last season and three - Zach Guthrie, Mark O'Connor and Sam Simpson - have made their AFL debuts. The Cats have gone for light, athletic footballers who they think they can mould into AFL players and the signs are promising. Giving them a taste of what is required will add to the individual's understanding of what is required and add to the club's depth.

Zach Guthrie
Excellent debut season having played well in the JLT Community Series before injury sidelined him. The cool defender was given an opportunity in round 15 and performed well. Looks more suited the higher up the grades he goes.

Jack Henry
A super athlete, he was sidelined with appendicitis after making a slow start, but he has performed well in recent weeks. Has shown an ability to leap and his running power is strong. Can play at both ends.

Jamaine Jones
Impressing at training but Jones is yet to deliver in games. He was always a development project, and has some tricks, but needs to work hard to give himself a chance.

Mark O'Connor
An impressive athlete, he was given a taste of AFL football in rounds eight and nine after arriving from Ireland in pre-season. Popular and hard-working, he is a long-term project with a huge upside.  

James Parsons
A superb talent, he has played 10 games and missed two through suspension. He is still inconsistent and occasionally tries to do too much, but he has great balance, is a long kick, has good evasive skills and shapes as a Joel Corey-type.

Sam Simpson
Thin as Salvador Dali's moustache, the son of Sean made his debut in round 15 and showed glimpses of his talent. He loves to tuck the football under his arm and run, and is a solid citizen who will excel at training and improve quickly. - Peter Ryan

For the past few years the Suns have preferred to take more mature bodies with their rookie spots to ensure they had a competitive NEAFL team. This in turn would help the younger players coming back from the seniors to reserves. They'll face a couple of tricky decisions at season's end, particularly around key position players Brooksby and Loersch.

Keegan Brooksby
Now in his third year at the Suns, Brooksby has developed into a solid key defender at NEAFL level. Has filled in for the seniors in a variety of roles, but at 27, his scope for improvement is limited.

Ryan Davis
Like Brooksby, was a mature recruit, and while the former Eagle hasn't played much senior footy this year compared to the 19 games of 2016, he's still a valuable asset. Can play a number of roles and just might get another chance.

Cameron Loersch
The lanky key forward has made small strides in his second season but managed to kick seven goals at the weekend. Needs a big end to the year to get another crack.

Darcy Macpherson
The little terrier has been a consistent performer at NEAFL level. Was recently given a chance in the seniors and did well. Is versatile, clever and loves to apply pressure.

Max Spencer
A Suns Academy graduate, this has been a learning year for the teenage defender. Needs to improve, but should get another year. - Michael Whiting

The Giants have gone down the mature-age rookie path over the past couple of seasons, with Sam Reid and Daniel Lloyd in 2015, and Tendai Mzungu last year adding depth to the list, and all three have played senior footy. They also picked academy product Zach Spoule and decathlete Jake Stein last year as project players who are developing in the NEAFL.

Daniel Lloyd
Plucked from country footy the 25-year-old hasn't looked out of place in six games this year playing as a forward, but might struggle to hold his place once some injured stars return.

Tendai Mzungu
The former Docker was upgraded to the senior list and debuted in round one but suffered a serious hamstring tear. Leadership and professionalism have been important.

Joel Patfull
The former defender is only on the list as a Total Player Payments obligation and is no longer at the club after retiring at the end of last season.

Sam Reid
The versatile utility has played some important roles as a forward and in defence, and kept Brisbane Lions star Dayne Zorko to just five touches a fortnight ago. Like Lloyd, might be forced out when players come back from injury.

Zach Sproule
The Giants' leading goalkicker with 22 in the NEAFL, Sproule is a good size for a tall forward at 197cm, and has averaged 18.4 possessions in his 12 games. He's worth persevering with.

Jake Stein
The Commonwealth Games decathlete is a category B rookie and has shown some good signs at times, playing in defence. Still has plenty to learn given it's his first season of footy. - Adam Curley

The Hawks have enjoyed solid success with rookies in recent years, with Jonathon Ceglar, Will Langford, Kade Stewart, Dallas Willsmore and Kurt Heatherley graduating to the main list. Of the current batch, James Cousins and Jack Fitzpatrick played in the AFL this season. The Irish experiment appears to be paying dividends, with Conor Glass and Conor Nash developing well.

James Cousins
Cousins, who won the Murray Bushrangers' best and fairest last year, looks likely to be elevated onto Hawthorn's primary list next season after a promising start to his career. The midfielder immediately adapted his busy game to VFL level and won so much of the ball he earned three-straight senior matches.

Jack Fitzpatrick
The former Melbourne ruckman-forward, in his second season at Waverley Park, barged his way into the Hawks' senior side with strong VFL form, including a five-goal haul. But Fitzpatrick's career is under threat because of another concussion in his one AFL game this year. 

Conor Glass
Looks to have benefited from his VFL development league exposure in defence last year. The Irishman remains a work-in-progress, but uses the ball well and has played some different roles in 2017 and shown good signs in 10 games at senior VFL level.

Oliver Hanrahan
A project for the Hawks after skipping the TAC Cup system and only switching his focus from cricket to football late last year. Hanrahan has played just four VFL matches, including one in the development league, before a hamstring cut his day short against Collingwood in May. Showed some ability a week earlier, kicking two goals and featuring in the best players. Due to return from that injury this weekend.

Conor Nash
The other Irishman on the Hawks' list is in his first season and, at 197cm, will take time, but is already looking a capable prospect down back. A hamstring injury has sidelined him since mid-May.

Luke Surman
Surman, a key defender, quit the club in May after reportedly losing his passion for the game. The ex-basketballer did not earn AFL selection in his season-and-a-half at Hawthorn. - Marc McGowan

Melbourne's rookie list is filled with players who were overlooked in previous drafts and who went back to VFL football and worked hard on improving their games. The Demons also have two former basketballers on their list, with teams having to be more creative with their talent spotting. With so many talented youngsters on the senior list, Melbourne has plenty of depth on its rookie list to rely on. 

Tim Smith
The mature-age forward played two senior matches earlier in the season before being struck down by injury. Smith suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung against Richmond in round five before being ruled out for the season with a navicular foot injury. The Demons are big admirers of the 26-year-old's competitiveness and will back him in to return after his rehab. 

Mitch White
The solid defender has managed four games in three seasons on Melbourne's rookie list and played his first match for the year against Sydney on Friday. Can no longer remain on the rookie list, so will need to be added to the primary list. Has a fight on his hands to prove he deserves another contract.

Joel Smith
The category B rookie signed a new two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the Demons until the end of 2019. The former basketballer earned many admirers over the pre-season and made his debut in round one. Unfortunately, his maiden AFL game was cut short when he injured his shoulder which required surgery. Back playing in the VFL and will push for senior selection in the coming weeks. 

Declan Keilty
Keilty has played up forward, in the ruck and even down back in the VFL this season. His strength is his versatility and that will help as he pushes for a run in the seniors. The query will be whether he can take the next step to AFL level. 

Lachlan Filipovic
The developing ruckman has been sidelined by a hip injury and will miss at least the next month of football. Added to the Demons' list in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft with the club needing extra depth in the ruck department, Filipovic remains a work in progress. 

Corey Maynard
Nearing a senior debut after an impressive debut campaign in the VFL. Signed as a category B rookie after playing four years of division one college basketball, Maynard's physicality and work rate have stood out. The 25-year-old has far exceeded expectations at this stage of his career. - Ben Guthrie

Despite an injury on debut, Joel Smith showed enough to earn a contract extension. Picture: AFL Photos

Cult ruckman Braydon Preuss is internal proof of what is possible with rookies and has captured the AFL world's attention since joining the senior list this season. The Roos are lighter on for rookies compared to most clubs, with only four at Arden St in 2017. Cameron Zurhaar looks the best prospect of the bunch, but looks a fair way off being ready for AFL level. 

Will Fordham
In his second year on the rookie list and entering a critical juncture in his career. Fordham is a hard runner, finds a fair bit of the ball and regularly kicks goals, but the biggest knock on him is the quality of his disposal. Could yet earn an AFL call-up before season's end.

Oscar Junker
Broke his right leg in a VFL practice match in February and last year's Western Jets co-captain remains without a timetable to return to the field. Will almost certainly get another year to prove himself after a strong pre-season had him in JLT Community Series contention.

Matthew Taylor
On an AFL list for the first time after missing out in the 2015 draft then forcing his way back onto the radar at WAFL level last year. Found himself in the development league last weekend after eight games in defence for the senior VFL side, so the 20-year-old is under the pump.

Cameron Zurhaar
We all saw the footage of his back-to-back Dustin Martin-like fend-offs against Richmond's VFL side in June, in an illustration of his aggression and strength. The highlights look great, but the Roos would love to see Zurhaar win more possession, be more consistent within matches and improve his endurance. - Marc McGowan

The Power have used the rookie list wisely, with Dan Houston proving to be a promising addition across half-back. Mature-aged forward Brett Eddy played the first three games of the season, but has fallen out of favour. Towering ruckman Peter Ladhams looks a good prospect, while Cameron Hewett, Jarrod Lienert and Ugandan-born rookie Emmanuel Irra are having solid SANFL seasons.

Brett Eddy
Rewarded with a rookie list spot after a bucket of goals in the SANFL. The 27-year-old key forward debuted in round one and played the first three games, but his defensive work needs improving.

Cameron Hewett
The younger brother of Sydney's George Hewett has shone when moved to the midfield. It's his second season on the rookie list and it will be touch and go if he's given a third year.

Dan Houston
Impressed across half-back in 10 games for the Power this season. The 19-year-old hits targets with his kicking and shows poise under pressure.

Emmanuel Irra
Recruited from South Adelaide, the 23-year-old Ugandan-born defender joined the Power as a Category B rookie. Breaks the lines strongly running off half-back with several strong games in the SANFL this year.

Peter Ladhams
A giant lump of a lad, the 203cm ruckman is honing his craft in the SANFL. The 19-year-old is splitting his time between the ruck and in attack. Worth developing for at least another season.

Jarrod Lienert
A member of Sturt's premiership-winning team last year, the 22-year-old has been handy across half-back for Port Adelaide in the SANFL. But could be hard to crack into the senior side with the Power having no shortage of quality rebounding defenders. - Lee Gaskin

Dan Houston has been a great find for the Power. Picture: AFL Photos

The Tigers backed most of their 2016 rookies in for another season in 2017 and have found players worth investing in. After trying mature-age rookies with mixed success, their strategy now is to recruit promising young players who have missed the draft and develop them. Chol and Soldo have been project players. All should be retained, either as senior-listed or rookie players, in 2018.    

Jason Castagna
Looks set for promotion to the senior list after becoming a mainstay in 2017, playing every game as a pressure small forward. Third year on the rookie list, so must be promoted or go through the NAB AFL Draft.   

Mabior Chol
The second-year rookie has shown glimpses of his talent but is not performing consistently enough to demand promotion or senior selection. The Tigers have invested in the exciting tall and it is unlikely they would give up on him now.  

Callum Moore
An ankle injury has interrupted the versatile tall's second year on the rookie list. Used both forward and in defence this year, sometimes during the same game, the 20-year-old hasn't had a chance to stamp his credentials and would hope to in the next two months.   

Ivan Soldo
A project ruckman who has shown great progress while learning the game in his three seasons. Acquitted himself well when called on to make his debut in round seven, he now looks like an AFL player if the Tigers promote him as their back-up ruckman in 2018. 

Tyson Stengle  
The only addition to Richmond's rookie list this year, Stengle has excited the Tigers and is a real find. A natural footballer, he made his debut against Port Adelaide with two goals in round 15 and is certainly worth retaining if not promoting in 2018. – Nathan Schmook  

Expect some consistency with the rookies the Saints take into 2018. Rowan Marshall looks an exciting prospect while Irishmen Ray Connellan and Darragh Joyce are in their first season. Nick O'Kearney and Nick Coughlan are in their second year on the rookie list and are yet to debut, but both have shown signs of promise.

Ray Connellan
This Irishman has serious speed. He has spent most of his time playing down back for Sandringham but played forward against Werribee last Sunday and was named in the best for his two-goal performance.

Nick Coughlan
Injuries have hurt the defender in 2017. He is currently sidelined with a hamstring strain while a stress fracture in his right foot in the lead-up to the season affected his preparation. The 193cm backman is good in the air.

Darragh Joyce
A tall defender, Joyce is a little behind Connellan in terms of picking up the game. The club is not flooded with young tall backmen so if Joyce can develop, he would help fill a hole.

Rowan Marshall
The key forward can clunk marks and kick goals. Marshall has really impressed in his first season. He has slowed slightly in the past few weeks and although St Kilda has multiple marking options in attack, the 21-year-old has a place at the Saints.

Nick O'Kearney
Showing improvement across half-forward and through the midfield. Has been winning his fair share of the footy in the VFL and is creative. - Dinny Navaratnam

The Swans pick their rookies with a view that they're very much an extended part of the list and should be able to play senior footy. Heath Grundy, Nick Smith and Dane Rampe are just some of the rookies Sydney has turned into stars, and Lewis Melican is the latest to have an impact at senior level.

Shaun Edwards
The former Giant and Bomber has been upgraded twice already this season but hasn't quite cracked a senior game. Dominating the NEAFL and could be worth a punt in the next month.

Sam Fisher
The GWS academy product has averaged 24 touches a game and kicked 13 goals in the reserves this season, and has been lively as a forward and through the midfield.

Robbie Fox
Played three senior games early in the season when the Swans battled injury worries, and played some good footy in the midfield.

Lewis Melican
Has stepped into senior footy to give the Swans a strong presence in defence, and should definitely earn himself a spot on the senior list at the end of the year. Old-school defender who thinks team first.

Sam Murray
Possesses plenty of speed and has averaged 23 touches per game in the NEAFL, but would be touch and go to get another deal, unless he finished the season strongly.

Colin O'Riordan
The Irishman was picked in the NEAFL team of the year in 2016 but hasn't backed that up this season. A promising rebounding defender who should be given a chance to keep developing.

Ben Ronke
The hard-tackling small forward has kicked seven goals from four games after coming back from injury, and has looked lively around goals. - Adam Curley

The anomaly on the Eagles' rookie list is former North Melbourne star Drew Petrie who has offered plenty on and off the field. Time could be running out for luckless Simon Tunbridge. The Eagles took a punt on some youngsters from outside the traditional pathways and had the maximum three category B rookies before Paddy Brophy returned to Ireland. Exciting half-back Francis Watson is a likely type.

Tarir Bayok
The speedy Sudanese youngster joined West Coast as a category B rookie last year and has played eight reserves games for East Perth. Currently battling a hamstring complaint and is a long-term development prospect.

Paddy Brophy
The talented Irishman cut his AFL experiment short in April and returned home after three years at the club. Brophy regularly played League for East Perth but didn't quite make the elite level.

Tom Gorter
The 20-year-old tall defender has played every senior game for original club East Perth this season and been a solid performer down back.

Fraser McInnes
Played two games as a stop-gap ruck option in rounds eight and nine. Impresses with his physicality but is almost 24 and has only played 11 games since he was drafted in 2011.

Drew Petrie
Some questioned the 34-year-old's recruitment after he was delisted by North Melbourne, but Petrie's recent form has been excellent in Josh Kennedy's absence and he has been an extremely popular addition to the playing group.

Jordan Snadden
Big-bodied midfielder has played more reserves than League football for East Perth since he was picked up at the end of 2015. Shows promise and has averaged 18 touches in eight senior WAFL games this year, but would want a big finish to 2017.

Simon Tunbridge
The powerful but injury-plagued forward is still on the comeback trail after undergoing a revolutionary hybrid-LARS knee reconstruction in December in a bid to play in 2017 and save his career.

Francis Watson
Exciting mature-age recruit lit up East Perth's matches early in the season before suffering an ankle issue which has stalled his progress. Has a bright future. - Travis King

Ovet the years, the Bulldogs have predominantly used the rookie list to develop young talent, but have also used it to bring in experienced and older players such as Jed Adcock and Brett Goodes. They've also given second chances to Josh Prudden and former Dog Daniel Pearce by rookie-listing them after they were delisted.

Brad Lynch
A player in the mould of Robert Murphy, the West Australian's desire for a senior debut was stymied by a hamstring injury and indifferent form. Needs to bulk up and improve his physicality, but has the speed and skills to be a League footballer.

Nathan Mullenger-McHugh
The raw and versatile tall has been impressive at times playing at both ends of the ground in first season at Whitten Oval. The Eastern Ranges product has a strong set of hands and possesses great athleticism.

Josh Prudden
Demoted to the rookie list at the end of 2016, the utility hasn't added to his four senior games. His  wretched run of injuries has continued this season with a hamstring complaint costing him several weeks. The 22-year-old needs some luck and a strong finish to the season.

Roarke Smith
The dashing defender succumbed to his second ACL tear in 18 months during the JLT Community series, and won't play again this season. Showed plenty in his two senior games and should be retained at season's end.

Tristan Tweedie
The category B rookie has battled in recent games, but kicked two goals in his VFL debut back in May. At 190cm, the indigenous forward possesses a safe pair of hands, is good on the ground and is a reliable shot for goal. - Ryan Davidson 

Could Brad Lynch be the ideal replacement for veteran skipper Robert Murphy? Picture: AFL Photos