There is always a keen eye on new recruits and draftees at AFL clubs.
Particularly early in the season when the hopes of all 18 clubs are still well and truly alive.
The New Guys ranks the best performances of those who are stepping out in their club colours for the first time in 2023.
There were well over 40 players who played for their new club on the weekend and we have attempted to narrow it down to a neat 10.
See our Top 10 from Round 1 below:
1. Jason Horne-Francis (Port Adelaide)
A fair way to announce yourself at a new club!
Horne-Francis looked like he had a point to prove in his Port Adelaide debut and played like a man possessed in the big win over Brisbane.
The 19-year-old finished with 25 disposals, 11 score involvements, 10 inside 50s, seven clearances, four centre clearances, three goal assists and a big early goal from outside 50.
Add to that 10 coaches votes from Ken Hinkley and Chris Fagan and he is the rightful owner of position one of The New Guys.
2. Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne)
Now, that is how you start an AFL career.
Played in defence by Alastair Clarkson, the classy Sheezel showed he possesses the footy smarts and awareness to impact in an unfamiliar position as North Melbourne got home against West Coast.
The no.3 draft pick amassed 34 touches, including 22 kicks, along with eight rebound 50s and four inside 50s, highlighting his ability to get forward.
Sheezel was rewarded with six coaches votes by Clarkson and Adam Simpson, and then duly signed a brand new two-year deal with the Roos.
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3. Izak Rankine (Adelaide)
The skilful Rankine looked right at home in Crows colours.
He spent the majority of his time up forward and could have finished with a bag if not for some profligacy in front of goal.
Rankine’s Adelaide debut consisted of two goals (five behinds), 11 score involvements, five marks inside 50 and three clearances, also rolling through the midfield.
4. Tim Taranto (Richmond)
Richmond addressed its midfield needs in the off-season and it (almost) paid immediate dividends.
The Tigers would eventually draw with Carlton but they were much more competitive from a clearance and contested possession sense due to Taranto’s presence.
The former Giant marked his debut in the yellow and black with 32 touches, 12 contested possessions, eight tackles, five clearances and four inside 50s. His ball use was at times untidy but overall he was one of Richmond’s very best.
5. Will Setterfield (Essendon)
Essendon afforded Setterfield a second chance at AFL level and he delivered in game one.
The former Blue racked up 25 disposals, took 10 marks, had eight score involvements, six tackles and was a constant in the middle in his new colours.
Setterfield’s presence is exactly what the likes of Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett and Dylan Shiel need.
6. Tom Mitchell (Collingwood)
The Brownlow Medallist’s bow in Collingwood hue went quite well indeed.
Mitchell added an extra element to the Magpies’ midfield, leading the way on the clearance front with 10, including five out of the middle.
In the impressive win over the Cats he also picked up 21 touches, was involved in six scores, and kicked two goals in a game for the first time since 2018.
7. Junior Rioli (Port Adelaide)
Power fans have been excited about what Rioli would bring to Alberton and his skills were on show immediately against the Lions.
He booted three goals with some expert finishing while helping himself to 16 disposals, eight of which were contested, and eight score involvements.
His (questionable) mark in the second quarter was followed by a cheeky baulk and goal to get the Power fans up and about.
8. Reuben Ginbey (West Coast)
The Eagles debutant did all he could in his side’s narrow loss to North Melbourne.
Ginbey, pick 9 from last year’s draft, led the league in tackles with 12, showcasing his hard-working nature.
The 18-year-old also picked up 15 disposals and seven contested possessions in a mature opening performance.
9. Bobby Hill (Collingwood)
It was nice to see Hill, who recovered from testicular cancer last year, play a meaningful role in his Collingwood debut.
He was busy around the forward line, kicking three goals from 10 disposals with seven marks and five inside 50s.
Hill is the type of player that is going to fit perfectly into Craig McRae’s gung-ho style.
10. Cam Mackenzie (Hawthorn)
There were a few club debutants vying for a spot in the Top 10 but the assuredness of Mackenzie’s performance gets him in.
It might have ended a dirty day for the Hawks but the no.7 draft pick looks a player of the future.
Mackenzie finished with 18 disposals plus seven score involvements, three clearances and three tackles, with some very clever ball use thrown in for good measure.