16 RECRUITS from the 2019 AFL National Draft have already run out for their respective teams on the weekend, with a further two set to take the field tonight. There was plenty to take out of Round 7 for the class of 2019, as a bunch of talented youngsters retained their spots at the elite level and are now stamping their mark on the competition, while others impressed on their debuts. We take a look at how the best handful of them performed.

STAR OF THE ROUND: Noah Anderson (Gold Coast)
STATS: 15 disposals (12 kicks), 5 marks, 3 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 1 rebound 50, 7 score involvements, 1 goal

It isn’t the first time a 2019 SUNS draftee has taken out back-to-back star of the week nods, and Anderson has somehow flown a little under the radar in his development at AFL level. Last year’s second pick enjoyed arguably his most impactful outing in Gold Coast’s win over Sydney on Saturday, working hard both ways on the outer to win the ball in important areas, and provide a creative outlet going forward. He showed good awareness and work rate to sneak over the back for a goal, and was involved in seven all up, with his kicking game and ability to gain meterage now coming to the fore.

Will Day (Hawthorn)
19 disposals (74% DE), 8 marks, 3 inside 50s, 5 rebound 50s, 3 score involvements

Day has slotted seamlessly into the Hawthorn setup, providing a safe outlet in the back half with his sound kicking game and ability to rack up uncontested ball. He may have turned the ball over eight times, but went at a solid rate of efficiency overall among his 19 disposals, and put the ball into important areas. He may have benefitted from a few short lateral and backwards kicks, but Day managed to penetrate both arcs and gained good ground for the Hawks in their loss to Melbourne. The next step will be finding a contested edge and improving his defensive game.

Michael Frederick (Fremantle)
10 disposals (80%DE), 3 marks, 4 inside 50s, 2 score involvements, 1 goal

There is plenty to like about Frederick, who made his AFL debut in a one-sided Western Derby. While the running went well and truly against his side, the South Australian showcased his phenomenal speed and was arguably one of the most dangerous Fremantle forwards throughout the contest. Frederick, aptly nicknamed ‘Rick’, managed to get on the board with his maiden elite level goal and looked to have an impact with each disposal, making for a promising start to his fledgeling career.

Luke Jackson (Melbourne)
14 disposals, 3 marks (2 contested), 3 tackles, 2 inside 50s, 1 clearance, 3 hitouts, 4 score involvements, 1 goal

Last year’s third pick made his first appearance back in the Melbourne side since his Round 2 debut, and looks to be gaining confidence. Jackson was another to boot his maiden AFL goal, starting as a key forward and rotating through the ruck to give Max Gawn a chop-out. The athletic tall continued to present well and clunked two contested grabs, making for a small glimpse into what he may produce in future. His ability to impact in general play was also evident, and will be a serious asset for Melbourne for years to come.

Cody Weightman (Western Bulldogs)
9 disposals, 3 marks, 1 inside 50, 4 score involvements, 2 goals

Another to join the first goal club was Weightman, with the electric small forward able to flush his first kick at the AFL level straight through the big sticks – from the boundary line, no less. But his first highlight came just moments before the successful conversion, with the Dandenong Stingrays graduate rising to take an eye-catching contested mark over his teammate. The stats may not flatter him, but Weightman was a dangerous figure around the ball and made the most of his touches, adding another goal and certainly catching the attention of those watching with his raw athleticism and skill.

Others in action:

Lachlan Ash (GWS)
Connor Budarick (Gold Coast)
Ryan Byrnes* (St Kilda)
Ned Cahill (Essendon)
Mitchell Hibberd (Essendon)
Jack Mahony (North Melbourne)
Fischer McAsey* (Adelaide)
Josh Morris (Hawthorn)
Kysaiah Pickett (Melbourne)
Caleb Serong (Fremantle)
Dylan Stephens (Sydney)
Elijah Taylor (Sydney)
Chad Warner (Sydney)

* – denotes yet to play.