Best chance: Wayne Milera
When Scott Thompson compared the electric South Australian to Crows legend Andrew McLeod, it put Milera under the microscope, and the 18-year-old has already shown flashes of his supreme potential. Milera forced his way into the round one side after an impressive NAB Challenge campaign and did some nice things in his senior debut against North Melbourne without starring. The 185cm first-round draft pick will be given opportunities this season and should learn quickly from the likes of Eddie Betts. If he ends up emulating anything like the feats of dual Norm Smith medallist McLeod, then the Crows will be thrilled.

Other contenders: Tom Doedee (yet to play)

Past winners: Daniel Talia (2012) - Travis King

Best chance: Josh Schache
Although it's a big ask for an 18-year-old key forward to take home the major award, Schache will get plenty of chances in his debut season. His two-goal outing against West Coast in round one was enough to show the No.2 draft pick has what it takes to mix it at the top level. Rhys Mathieson might have been the most likely contender in this largely midfield-dominated award, but missing six weeks with a broken cheekbone puts him too far behind the eight ball.

Other contenders: Ben Keays (yet to play), Rhys Mathieson (yet to play).

Past winners: Nathan Buckley (1993), Chris Scott (1994), Daniel Rich (2009), Lewis Taylor (2014) - Michael Whiting 

Best chance: Jacob Weitering
Weitering underlined his class with a polished display on debut against Richmond last Thursday night. On that performance the young defender from the Dandenong Stingrays will play every week and be well in contention for the award. He is strong in the air and clean with his hands – a cool customer who reads the game well and possesses an uncanny ability to intercept opposition passes. He has an appetite for the contest and, at 195cm and 94kg, is adept at using his body to outpoint more experienced opponents.  

Other contenders: Charlie Curnow (yet to play), David Cuningham (yet to play), Jack Silvagni (yet to play)

Past winners: Nil - Howard Kotton

No.1 pick Weitering will take some beating in the 2016 Rising Star race. Picture: AFL Media

Best chance: Darcy Moore
The son of dual Brownlow medallist Peter Moore is a prodigious talent and will figure prominently if he can hold down the dual role of key forward and back-up ruckman. Played nine games as a first-year player in 2015, the best of which was a five-goal effort in a losing side against the Western Bulldogs. The high-leaping, pacy 20-year-old shot up between seasons to 201cm and further raised expectations with four goals against the Dogs in the NAB Challenge. Though still raw, Moore is already a multiple-effort competitor, a spectacular pack mark and a composed kick for goal.

Other contenders: Jonathon Marsh (five games), Brayden Maynard (nine games)

Past winners: Nil - Ben Collins 

Best chance: Darcy Parish
Parish showed his quality on debut last weekend, gathering 25 disposals (12 contested), six clearances and laying six tackles in Essendon's loss to Gold Coast. The midfielder would have been close to being this year's first Rising Star nominee, but was pipped by Melbourne's Clayton Oliver, who was drafted a pick ahead of the Bomber. Parish's midfield craft, ability to find the ball and use it smartly should see him play a majority of games this season, despite not turning 19 until July. The No.5 selection at last year's NAB AFL Draft has settled into AFL life seamlessly and will be an important part of Essendon's long-term future.

Other contenders: Jayden Laverde (nine games), Orazio Fantasia (eight games), Aaron Francis (yet to play)

Past winners: Dyson Heppell (2011) - Callum Twomey

Best chance: Lachie Weller

The Dockers have some exciting youngsters that could contend in the NAB AFL Rising Star award. They just need an opportunity to play. Weller is the best chance because he is likely to play the most games. He played three matches in 2015, two of them as the sub, and showed glimpses of his obvious talent as a speedy midfielder. He will spend more time forward than in the midfield this year due to the nature of the Dockers' midfield group but he could put together some exciting performances if he finds his feet at senior level.  

Other contenders: Connor Blakely (one), Ed Langdon (two), Darcy Tucker (yet to play)

Past winners: Paul Hasleby (2000), Rhys Palmer (2008)

Best chance: Jake Kolodjashnij
The defender had to wait until midway through his second season to make his senior debut, but he was ready when he did. Chris Scott showed his confidence in Kolodjashnij when he played him on former Sydney Swans champion Adam Goodes and emerging Western Bulldogs star Jake Stringer. With midfielders likely to push forward more often, a player of Kolodjashnij's type will become even more valuable in 2016 and with Nakia Cockatoo playing 11 games in his first season, the 20-year-old defender is the Cats' best Rising Star prospect in 2016.

Other contenders: Zac Bates (yet to play), Michael Luxford (two games), Wylie Buzza (yet to play)

Past winners: Joel Selwood (2007) - Peter Ryan

Jake Kolodjashnij has looked at home since earning a debut in mid-2015. Picture: AFL Media

Best chance: Callum Ah Chee
The No.8 pick from last year's NAB AFL Draft is a special talent and has already given a glimpse into his ability in round one. Ah Chee, a clever half-forward, had just eight disposals against Essendon, but his right-foot snapped goal in the second quarter oozed class. He is clean, good off both sides of his body and can make the difficult look easy. Ah Chee has already vaulted past a number of Gold Coast small forwards and should play plenty of matches this season.

Other contenders: Brayden Fiorini (yet to play), Jarrod Garlett (nine games), Peter Wright (three games)

Past winners: Jaeger O'Meara (2013) - Michael Whiting

Best chance: Jacob Hopper
A hard-nosed midfielder from the Giants' academy, Hopper only played one game of the NAB Challenge as the club eases him into the big time, but he's not far away from an AFL debut. The 19-year-old loves to win his own ball and will make his name as a clearance specialist, but can also play forward and loves a goal. Coach Leon Cameron makes his young stars earn their debut so Hopper will find it hard to crack into the GWS midfield, but he'll dominate the NEAFL and play senior footy in the first half of the season.

Other contenders: Caleb Marchbank (six games), Jack Steele (eight games)

Past winners: Nil - Adam Curley 

Best chance: Daniel Howe
With their first pick at the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, the 31st selection overall, the Hawks found a player in Howe, a tall mobile defender who managed four senior games in his first season with the club. The Hawks love his ability to find the footy as well as his attitude and work ethic. He actually led the side with 92.2 per cent disposal accuracy, indicating he fits the bill for the most important requirement at Hawthorn – elite kicking. Pre-season form indicates he will continue to be developed as a half-back capable of short bursts through the midfield.

Other contenders: James Sicily (four games), Marc Pittonet (one game), Blake Hardwick (yet to debut)

Past winners: Nick Holland (1995), Sam Mitchell (2003) - Ashley Browne

Daniel Howe possesses an elite kick - a highly valued trait at the Hawks. Picture: AFL Media

Best chance: Clayton Oliver
The powerfully built midfielder became the first player to earn a Rising Star nomination this season after a tremendous first-up display against Greater Western Sydney. So highly do the Demons rate Oliver's clearance ability that he was thrown straight into the middle and he instantly set the tone around stoppages with his 'see ball, get ball' mentality. Oliver, pick No.4 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, had 22 disposals (15 contested), as well as seven clearances. He fits the Demons' desire for 'competitors' and is clearly in Melbourne's best 22 based on his early season performances.

Other contenders: Christian Petracca (yet to debut), James Harmes (nine matches), Oscar McDonald (one game), Sam Weideman (yet to debut).

Past winners: Jesse Hogan (2015), Jared Rivers (2004) - Ben Guthrie 

Best chance: Ryan Clarke
Clarke has made a quick transition to AFL life since joining North at pick No.31 in last November's NAB AFL Draft. The 184cm midfielder was a standout on the training track over the pre-season, impressing in running time trials and match simulation. Clarke played in North's opening two NAB Challenge games, enjoying extended game time in the clash against St Kilda. A 30-second period of play late in the first term against the Saints showcased the 18-year-old's well-balanced midfield game. First, Clarke burst through the middle of the ground and set up a Drew Petrie major on the goal-line with a long bomb. Then at the next centre bounce Clarke put his head over the ball and won the clearance. North's seasoned team won't be an easy one to break into this season, but Clarke is well placed to push for his debut early in 2016.

Other contenders: Trent Dumont (eight games), Corey Wagner (yet to debut), Mitchell Hibberd (yet to debut)

Past winners: Byron Pickett (1998) - Nick Bowen

Best chance: Riley Bonner
With Port Adelaide looking to recapture the form that took it to a preliminary final in 2014, limited spots are available for young, inexperienced players. Furthermore, the Power traded its first-round pick last year to bring in Charlie Dixon, meaning there is one fewer player in contention for the NAB Rising Star award. However, Bonner is one who could succeed at AFL level this year. Drafted at No. 37 in 2015, Bonner is a classy defender who offers rebound with his penetrating left boot and a willingness to run out of defence.

Other contenders: Dougal Howard (yet to play), Darcy Byrne-Jones (yet to play), Karl Amon (seven games)

Past winners: Michael Wilson (1997), Danyle Pearce (2006) - Dinny Navaratnam

Best chance: Corey Ellis
After a debut season that ended early because of hip and foot injuries, Ellis is fit and ready to build on his six games from 2015. The Tigers desperately want the 184cm midfielder to be a part of their best team and will give the first-round draft pick opportunities. With excellent skills and the ability to play inside and outside, the focus for Ellis over summer was his tackling, which will help him at selection. The 19-year-old played two of the Tigers' three NAB Challenge games and made the cut in round one, kicking a goal and racking up four inside 50s from 11 possessions against Carlton.

Other contenders: Daniel Rioli (one game), Connor Menadue (six games)

Past winners: Brett Deledio (2005) - Nathan Schmook 

Ellis' ability to play inside and outside has the Tigers excited. Picture: AFL Media

Best chance: Jade Gresham
Drafted at No.18 last year, Gresham only slipped down the draft order because of his relatively small stature. Standing at just 177cm, he is likely to play mostly at half-forward, especially early in his career. His speed and foot skills mean he is dangerous around goal. Gresham struggled against Port Adelaide in his debut but showed his class in the NAB Challenge. The Saints will be keen to keep him in the senior team though, because he is one of the better kicks in the side.

Other contenders: Paddy McCartin (six games), Hugh Goddard (eight games), Blake Acres (10 games)

Past winners: Justin Koschitzke (2001), Nick Riewoldt (2002) - Dinny Navaratnam 

Best chance: Callum Mills
The highly rated Sydney local stepped straight into senior footy and looked like a veteran against Collingwood last week, giving the Swans a cool head across half back. Mills had 18 possessions at 72 per cent efficiency and has settled into the club easily after being taken with pick No.3 in the NAB AFL Draft from the club's academy system last year. With co-captain Jarrad McVeigh set to return from off-season knee surgery in the next month, Mills should spend more time in the midfield and is already one of the favourites to take out the award in 2016.

Other contenders: Tom Papley (one game)

Past winners: Adam Goodes (1999), Dan Hannebery (2010) - Adam Curley

Mills appears a readymade AFL player after his time in the Swans' academy. Picture: AFL Media

Best chance: Tom Cole

It is going to be hard for the Eagles to have a contender given the depth of their squad. Dom Sheed finished third in last year's award as a second-year player but it is unlikely any eligible players are going to break into the side this year. Tom Cole has been impressive in the WAFL early in the season and looks the most likely first-year player to push into the team at present. He is a classy ball user off half-back. Tom Lamb played one game last year before injury curtailed his year. He is an exciting prospect but might have to wait for an opportunity as a key position prospect up forward. 

Other contenders: Tom Lamb (one), Luke Partington (yet to play)

Past winners: Ben Cousins (1996) - Alex Malcolm

Best chance: Toby McLean
The classy forward proved in four games last season that he has a big future at Whitten Oval before a shoulder injury wiped out the remainder of his debut campaign. The 20-year-old possesses the ability to win the ball at the coalface and on the outside, has a huge leap and an innate goal sense. And the Oakleigh Chargers product picked up where he left off last year, collecting 22 possessions and a goal in the Dogs' opening round thrashing of Fremantle. 

Other contenders: Caleb Daniel (11 games), Josh Dunkley (one game)

Past winners: Nil  - Ryan Davidson