List of AFL debuts in 2008

[2][3] The regular season commenced on 20 March and concluded with the AFL Grand Final on 27 September, where the premiership was won by Hawthorn.

[4] This year celebrated the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Australian football as a sport in 1858.

[5] The premiership season is inclusive of home-and-away and finals series matches only, and does not include pre-season matches or representative games (such as State of Origin or International rules football).

[6] Of those making their AFL debut, there were 17 rookie-listed players who were elevated to their clubs' senior list during the season.

[2][9] Notably, former West Coast captain Chris Judd played his first game for Carlton in the first round of the season, after being traded in the preceding off-season.

Cyril Rioli
Cyril Rioli played every game for Hawthorn in his first season, including the AFL Grand Final . [ 1 ]
Jarryn Geary
Jarryn Geary played ten games in 2008. [ 13 ]
Scott Thompson
Scott Thompson played his first game in the opening round of the season. [ 14 ]
Brad Ebert
Brad Ebert played 15 games in his first season. [ 15 ]
Chris Masten
Chris Masten played nine games in his first season. [ 16 ]
Matthew Kreuzer
Matthew Kreuzer played 20 games this season after being selected with the number-one overall selection in the 2007 national draft by Carlton. [ 17 ] [ 18 ]
Trent Cotchin
Trent Cotchin played in Richmond's final 15 matches for the season after his debut in round eight. [ 19 ]
Callan Ward
Callan Ward played six games in his first season. [ 20 ]
Chris Judd
Former West Coast captain Chris Judd returned to his home state of Victoria to captain Carlton. [ 11 ]
Steven King
Steven King played 22 games for St Kilda in 2008, having previously played for Geelong. [ 21 ]
Adam Schneider
Adam Schneider formerly played for Sydney before joining St Kilda prior to the 2008 season. [ 22 ]
Josh Kennedy
Josh Kennedy played seven games in his first season for West Coast. [ 23 ]