The opening month of the 2023 AFL season has provided us with plenty to consider for our Rookie Rankings, with the results from Round 4 seeing another change to the top six.

While the leading four names have held their place, a young Hawks midfielder falls out of the order as Adelaide's new young defender leaps into sixth.

That change has seen an exciting Saint move into fifth overall ahead of Gather Round, where we'll see the top two in our rankings go head-to-head.

Criteria: For our Rookie Rankings, we are selecting players who have made their debut this season. Other players who may still be eligible for a Rising Star nomination but have already made their debut prior to the 2023 season will not be considered.

I.e. Rising Star eligible players such as Sam DarcyFinn Callaghan and Jye Amiss are ineligible, having already played an AFL match prior to Round 1, 2023. 

Note: The order of our Rookie Rankings will expand to seven players after Round 6.

Round 4 honourable mentions:
Lachie Cowan (Carlton)
Ned Moyle (Gold Coast)
Judd McVee (Melbourne)
Alwyn Davey (Essendon)

SEE: Rookie Rankings after Round 3

2. Will Ashcroft (-)

The inside midfielder was the Lions' leading disposal winner on their way to handing Collingwood their first loss of the season, collecting 26 possessions on Thursday night.

Ashcroft would also come away from the 33-point win with five clearances, six inside 50s, five score involvements and 11 contested possessions to his name.

A balanced effort for the father-son gun, who has only strengthened his spot in second place, but still has some catching up to do to claim top spot.

A matchup against North Melbourne and Harry Sheezel at Gather Round this week could see Ashcroft close the gap on Sheezel at top spot.