Any lingering doubts have cleared for Rising Star nominee Jake Rogers following an electric beginning to his AFL career.

The 19-year-old Broadbeach Cats junior became the club’s first Rising Star nominee of 2024 in Sunday’s win over the Eagles and has fitted seamlessly into Damien Hardwick’s side after debuting just a week prior.

An interrupted pre-season through injury brought about some doubts on what the early stages of the season would look like for Rogers, but they’re concerns no more.

“I’ve always had belief that I can play at the highest level. The injury set me back a little bit and then missing half the pre-season slowed that process of getting back to full fitness,” Rogers said on Tuesday morning.

“I did have a little bit of doubt whether I could come back this early, get fit and play my role, but I feel like I’ve come back and nailed it.

“It gives me confidence… I feel like I’m starting to nail my role for the team.”

Rogers was the SUNS’ fifth debutant on 2024 and admits seeing fellow Academy graduates Jed Walter, Will Graham and Ethan Read debut only made him hungrier.

“Watching them debut… we’ve all spoken about wanting to play together. It did light that fire in my stomach and just made me want it more.”

All four of that group have now kicked their first AFL goals with Rogers’ and Graham’s maiden majors coming in Sunday’s win.

When he wasn’t hitting the scoreboard himself, Rogers was setting up his teammates. In just game number two, he recorded an equal-club record four goal assists, now sitting alongside the likes of Gary Ablett Jnr, Tom Lynch, Ben Ainsworth, Brandon Matera, Nick Malceski and Alex Sexton to also hold the record.

“I pride myself on my skills and that kick inside forward 50. I feel like that’s the money kick and something we’ve really focused on,” Rogers continued.

“I take pride in that and hopefully the key forwards can get on the end of a couple of them.”

Anticipation is at fever pitch for Sunday’s QClash, a match-up the lifelong SUNS fan says he’s watched plenty of times from the stands.

Rogers, alongside his Academy cohort, had the wood in clashes over the years against the Lions Academy - a trend he hopes continues at the Gabba on Sunday night.

“I’ve played against the Brisbane Academy a lot through the SUNS Academy and I’ve watched all the games here (at People First Stadium,” Rogers added.

“It’s always a special game and something I’m looking forward to being part of.”