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 Darcy, Finn 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
1. Harry Sheezel (-)
Another 37 possessions for the young Roo sees him not only hold his place atop our rankings with some comfort but also amass a V/AFL record for the most disposals from any player's first four games at 127.
Starting his career in defence has been a big plus for Sheezel and North Melbourne, who have looked to rely on the teenager as their go-to outlet from their defensive 50.
The AJAX product again moved the ball at over 80 per cent efficiency in his side's defeat to Carlton, while also collecting eight contested possessions and five marks for his efforts.
Sheezel will face his former Sandringham and Vic Metro teammate in Will Ashcrfot this week, a match that may see the gap between first and second in our Rookie Rankings open wider should the young Roo continue to dominate.
