The NLL season is back this week and so is May’s Grinders. All season long, we will highlight players making exceptional contributions each week, with a special focus on under the radar players.
But to open the season, let’s look at some familiar names for lacrosse fans: the rookies. This is a loaded class, with guys like Dyson WIlliams who have been part of the lacrosse world for many years, and some new faces that NLL fans will love.
There are a number of factors which influence Rookie of the Year voting, including opportunity, roles, and obviously production. But here are the guys with a chance to do it.
Dyson Williams, Albany Firewolves
The wait is finally over for Firewolves fans, who can now see their first overall selection from the 2023 draft in action. The 6’2, 210-pound lefty dominated the Junior A ranks with the Whitby Warriors (224 points in 64 games) and has the frame and skillset to find that same success in the NLL. Surrounded by a terrific cast of young forwards, Dyson Williams has all the tools in and outside of his control to pop off this season.
First (preseason) @NLL goal‼️
— Albany FireWolves Lacrosse Club (@AlbFireWolves) November 10, 2024
Congrats, Dyson!#GetFiredUp🔥 pic.twitter.com/ItcQMtlEDG
Payton Cormier, Vancouver Warriors
Holding the record for most goals all-time in NCAA lacrosse history with 224, Payton Cormier can flat-out score. He has shown that same knack for scoring at every point of his box career, and given his ability to thrive under contact, transitioning to the physicality of the NLL should occur fairly quickly. He is surrounded by ball-dominant players in Keegan Ball, Kevin Crowley, and Adam Charalambides, which will complement his ability to score off-ball.
With the NLL Draft just two days away, get to know recently signed Payton Cormier, last year's 4th overall pick! 👏 pic.twitter.com/TzXEjnGUiQ
— Vancouver Warriors (@VanWarriors) September 13, 2024
Levi Anderson, Saskatchewan Rush
The 25-year-old rookie out of Alberta is going to add a lot to this Saskatchewan Rush roster. His athleticism is undeniable, which will give the Rush the ability to use him out of both doors if they desire. Most notably, his speed makes him a matchup nightmare for NLL defenders.
He showcased his ability to create opportunities in bunches during the 2023 Presidents Cup that will add a level of dynamic flair to the revamped Rush offence.
Adam Poitras, Las Vegas Desert Dogs
Adam Poitras can do it all. Having not played much box lacrosse since the Minto Cup in 2022, people might have forgotten how his ability on both ends of the floor pushed the Warriors to that title. On an up-and-coming Desert Dogs roster, Poitras will be given the chance to express the entirety of his skill set. The well-rounded stat sheet of goals, assists, caused turnovers and ground balls easily makes him a favourite for the Rookie of the Year award.
ADAM GOES AIRBORNE✈️
— Maryland Whipsnakes (@PLLWhipsnakes) July 28, 2024
Poitras staying agressive EARLY in here San Diego.
Watch NOW on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/xwskYTO8NU
Brock Haley, Saskatchewan Rush
With all this talk about scoring, you can’t forget Brock Haley. Another talented rookie out of the Whitby Warriors organization, Haley’s historic season in 2022 saw him finish the year with 105 goals in 26 games (4.03 GPG) where he scored in a variety of different ways.
Since then, he has continued to fill the net in Sr.A with both the Brooklin Lacrosse Club and Coburg Kodiaks, proving he can score on the best goalies in the game. Playing alongside some other Whitby greats on the Rush— Ryan Keenan and Austin Shanks— Haley will have some great mentors to learn from who will help smooth his transition to the NLL.
Brennan O’Neill, Philadelphia Wings
O’Neill is the first American-born player to be selected first overall since Casey Powell in 1998. His frame, mixed with his skillset, gives him all the tools to find a similar, if not better, level of success to the American legend. He proved that age is just a number after dominating the PLL as a rookie this past summer, so once he climatizes to the box game, expect him to wreak havoc in the NLL.
Brennan O'Neill beats the shot clock, and beats Nick Rose, from range with this low shot. Four straight for Philly, Wings are fighting back. pic.twitter.com/Nd4PBVSc3D
— Dan Arestia (@danarestia) November 24, 2024
Check back next Wednesday for a recap of NLL Week 1!
You said Jacob Dunbar is still considered a rookie. So how can he be left off your ROY candidates list? We here in Ottawa think he is JT51 the 2nd and a top 15 NLL Forward.