Our Rookie Rankings have welcomed a Demons first-round pick for the first time this year, with a Dogs recruit falling out of the top six as a Swans defender slides.
Western Bulldogs wingman Sam Davidson has made way after holding his place in the top six for the past several weeks, with young Melbourne midfielder Harvey Langford finally bursting through after a consistent run.
The fall of Sydney's Riley Bice has meant a pair of Tigers have also advanced in our rankings after Round 8.
A pair of Saints, a Dockers small forward and a Bombers livewire are this week's honourable mentions as well.
Selection Criteria: Zero Hanger's Rookie Rankings ONLY consider 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 before the 2025 season will not be considered. I.e. Rising Star eligible players such as Nate Caddy, Dan Curtin and Connor O'Sullivan are ineligible, having already played an AFL match before Opening Round, 2025. Suspension does not make a player ineligible for our Rookie Rankings.
Round 8 Honourable Mentions
Hugh Boxshall (St Kilda) - 16 disposals, six tackles and four clearances
Max Hall (St Kilda) - 15 possessions, five tackles and four clearances
Isaac Kako (Essendon) - 12 touches, one goal, six score involvements
Isaiah Dudley (Fremantle) - One goal, seven disposals and eight tackles
5. Luke Trainor (+1)
The Tigers youngster recorded more than 20 touches for the second time in his career on Sunday against the Hawks as Richmond's rearguard looked to combat an onslaught from their attacking opponent.
Trainor had four intercept possessions and five score involvements in the heavy loss, with his accurate ball movement from the back half impressing despite the result.
He also recorded eight marks and a return of 438 metres gained in what might've been his best performance yet.
The outing, coupled with Davidson's exit and Bice's fall, sees Trainor rise in our Rookie Rankings ahead of an enticing clash with West Coast this weekend.
