The AFL's 2025 rookie class continues to exceed expectations with a number of exceptional performances altering the state of Zero Hanger's Rookie Rankings after Round 6.

A young Docker has knocked a pre-season favourite off his perch to reclaim top spot, while two Tigers lock themselves into the top six. Not far behind them is a pair of Melbourne's rookies, Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay, on the cusp of breaking into the top six with strong performances in the Demons' win over Fremantle.

Our Rookie Rankings will extend to a top seven after Round 12, with a new rung to be added every half-dozen weeks.

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 5 Honourable Mentions:
Harvey Langford (Melbourne) - 17 disposals, two goals
Max Hall (St Kilda) - 13 disposals, four marks
Xavier Lindsay (Melbourne) - 16 disposals, four marks, two clearances

5. Sam Davidson (-)

With the return of Marcus Bontempelli, Davidson was relegated to starting the match against St Kilda on the bench, but this didn't negate his impact whatsoever. Instead, he joined his fellow midfielders in running rampant over the Saints, collecting 21 disposals and taking eight marks in the Bulldogs' 71-point thrashing.

Defensively, Davidson looked sound, winning five interception possessions and having 13 pressure acts. The 23-year-old's development with the ball has been accelerating rapidly since his AFL career began, and now we're beginning to see his potential be realised behind it. With a massive clash against the Giants stacked midfield up next, Dogs fans should be excited to see how Davidson stands up to the challenge.