The Undroppables. A category of footballer we made up.
The Definition: A fringe or developing AFL player who performed well enough to maintain their spot in the side for the following week.
Across the season, we will be keeping an eye on players who received their opportunity in a side and did enough to lock themselves in for the next round.
See our nominations for Round 4 below:
Nathan O’Driscoll (Fremantle)
Third-gamer Nathan O’Driscoll put his name up in lights in Fremantle’s win over GWS at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
The 19-year-old arrived at the Dockers in the 2020 National Draft and had to bide his time before debuting, making his first senior appearance against St Kilda in Round 2.
O’Driscoll made a meaningful contribution in Freo’s 34-point victory over the Giants, kicking two first-half goals to go with 20 disposals, six tackles and 452 metres gained.
A local WA product, O’Driscoll has kicked at least a goal in every game he has played so far this year and will take enormous confidence from his breakout performance.
Alex Zaia
Jaidyn Stephenson (North Melbourne)
Jaidyn Stephenson was sensationally dropped by the Kangaroos after his poor Round 1 performance, but he has bounced back after returning to the side in the last fortnight.
Against the Swans at the SCG on Saturday, the speedster was one of his side’s best performers as he picked up 24 disposals and had two goal assists.
On top of collecting plenty of football, Stephenson took seven marks while making a equal career-high eight tackles – a clear sign of improved effort.
While he made a name for himself as a forward, 63 per cent of Stephenson’s touches came in the defensive half – further solidifying himself as a versatile option for David Noble.
Lachlan Geleit
Hugh Dixon (West Coast)
Hugh Dixon performed well as West Coast’s secondary ruckman against Collingwood and provided a target forward of centre.
The 23-year-old rookie picked up 16 disposals, six marks and a goal assist in the clash.
With Nic Naitanui now sidelined with a serious knee injury, Dixon will keep his spot in the side and likely work alongside either Bailey Williams or Callum Jamieson for the immediate future.
Naitanui’s injury is a big blow for the Eagles, but it presents opportunity for the likes of Dixon.
Nic Negrepontis
Malcolm Rosas (Gold Coast)
Subject to trade speculation at the end of the last year, Rosas ultimately decided to stay at Gold Coast and not move to Essendon.
The 20-year-old played his first game of the season against Carlton and could have hardly been more impressive, kicking three goals and providing an dangerous forward 50 pairing alongside Izak Rankine.
With the absence of Ben King in the Suns' forward line, Gold Coast is in need of extra forward options and in Rosas, they look to have a player with plenty of forward smarts and an eye for goal.
Laurence Rosen
Sam De Koning (Geelong)
His stats sheet didn’t make for much reading, but De Koning did enough to prove to Cats fans he can stand up when called upon.
With the absence of Tom Stewart on Friday night, Geelong needed De Koning to put his best foot forward in both an intercepting and defensive role, and the 21-year-old was strong in both.
He only had nine disposals, but seven of those were contested as the youngster was made to work for every touch. Add in five marks - several crucial intercepts in the context of the game – and De Koning is a prospect worth investing in.
It helps that Geelong are happy to pick him alongside Stewart, meaning the All Australian's return next week should see De Koning hold his spot.
Seb Mottram