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 consideredI.e. Rising Star eligible players such as Nate CaddyDan 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

4. Harvey Langford (NEW)

The Demons' Pick 6 selection finally makes his first appearance in our Rookie Rankings after a consistent run of performances since returning to Simon Goodwin's side.

Langford debuted in Round 1 but was demoted to the VFL a week later to work on his midfield craft, with the Dandenong Stingrays talent quickly earning a recall.

Since, Langford has been a key piece in Melbourne's turning fortunes, finding plenty of the ball and even having an impact on the scoreboard.

Langford has collected 23 or more touches in four of his last six appearances to bring his season averages to 18.3 disposals, 2.7 clearances, 7.6 contested possessions and 0.6 goals per game.

The Demons have a tough matchup in Round 9, scheduled to face Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.