MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Debutant, Jack Carroll of the Blues in action during the 2022 AFL Round 07 match between the Carlton Blues and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on April 30, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
The weekend has seen some potential Rookie Rankings bolters emerge from their debuts, while a Tigers defender and Bombers recruit continue their rise toward the top.
Another week sees Nick Daicos hold top spot in the rankings, but could his gap over the rest of his rivals be closing?
A Carlton debutant didn't look out of touch in his first game at senior level, while an Eagle amassed a stellar outing despite his side's embarrassing defeat to Richmond.
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 2022 season will not be considered.
VIEW:Â ROUND 6 RANKINGS
Greg Clark (West Coast)
24 disposals, six tackles, seven marks, five score involvements
Despite the 109-point loss in his debut, Clark enjoyed his maiden match at AFL level in standing tall against the trying circumstances. A sudden bolter for our rankings.
Jack Carroll (Carlton)
19 disposals, eight marks, 411 metres gained, eight score involvements
Like Clark, Carroll was immense in his first game at AFL level, not looking out of place in the top flight as the Blues ran riot over the Roos on Saturday night. One to watch in the weeks to come.
Robbie McComb (Western Bulldogs)
21 possessions, two goals, three clearances, seven contested possessions
Another mature-aged player gets an honourable mention nod from their Round 7 performance, with McComb an integral part in the Bulldogs' forward-midfield rotations.
The 19-year-old was once again a part of the Dockers' highlight reel, booting another major from the left boundary line in what is seeming the midfielder's favourite forward pocket.
On top of his single goal, O'Driscoll recorded 17 possessions and six marks in the win over Geelong, continuing to execute his role out wide for Justin Longmuir.
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The form of others has seen the Dockers young gun slide in our rankings, however a matchup with North Melbourne this week could see his place among the top handful of rookies rise.
Had his best game of the season against an experienced West Coast attack, often popping up at the contest and getting first hands to the loose ball.
Gibcus was able to not only often shut down his direct opponent but worked to intercept and negate any forward movement the Eagles had pressed on Richmond's backline.
Again having to fill the void left by an absent veteran - this week being Robbie Tarrant - Gibcus stood tall to record eight intercepts, six marks and 12 disposals at a rate of 83.3% while managing not to lose a single one of his defensive one-on-one contests throughout the night.
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Rebound50s
With Tarrant anticipated to return for this weekend's bout with the Magpies, Gibcus could be given an even more flexible role in Round 8 as he continues his impressive run of form.
A neck complaint and 50-point loss couldn't keep Horne-Francis quiet, with the No.1 pick looking to lead from the front despite the result.
Coming up against the hard-nosed Carlton midfield, the South Adelaide product didn't shy away from the occasion to collect 20 disposals - 10 of which were contested - as well as three clearances and 400 metres gained.
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The Roos' difficult run will continue into this weekend as they make their way across the Nullarbor to face the in-form Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Friday night, with Horne-Francis sure to be hoping his teammates can channel a similar level of energy and effort.
It was a difficult day out for the Crows at home, falling to the Giants by 59 points as Rachele was kept quiet for the second straight week.
Another goalless outing sees the Adelaide young gun dip in our rankings, with Rachele limited to 11 touches and four tackles as the Giants' defence held strong for four quarters.
Rachele was thrown into the midfield in the second half of the game, ending his evening with seven contested disposals and three clearances.
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The Crows will look to return to winning ways on Sunday when they travel to Marvel Stadium to face Carlton.
The Bombers recruit is beginning to stake a claim as the club's favourite for their best and fairest, continuing to play a key role under Ben Rutten.
Martin was among the top ball-winners for the Dons on Sunday, recording 25 possessions to go along with seven score involvements, four tackles, five intercepts and four inside 50s.
Stepping up on all three lines, Martin was one of a very few Bombers players who would be able to keep their head up after the 32-point loss to the Bulldogs.
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Searching for their second win of the season, Essendon will face Hawthorn in Round 8 as Martin looks to continue on his trajectory as arguably the pickup of the season.
A season-low 19 disposals against Gold Coast. Yep. Season-low.
A stunning remark to make for any first-year player, with the metric by no means implying Daicos was off his game against the Suns - quite the opposite.
The teenager was again a key part of Collingwood's chain from defence into attack, recording seven score involvements and using the ball with elite efficiency at 94.7%.
Daicos was moved back to defence as the Pies looked to their top draftee for his explosive running ability and precision passing, which factored into the 25-point win.
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This weekend, Daicos and the Magpies will face cross-town rivals Richmond, with the two Victorian giants placed eighth and ninth respectively.