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

4. Sam Lalor (NEW)

Sam Lalor returns to the Rookie Rankings after a week off with injury, making his presence felt for the Tigers in their upset win over Gold Coast. While the veterans of Tim Taranto and Nick Vlaustuin were the standouts for Richmond in the win, Lalor's impact on the contest can't be overlooked.

Lalor collected eight contested possessions, making up half of his 16 disposals. Only Taranto had more possessions and a higher contested possession rate. He also gathered seven ground ball gets, highlighting the elite work rate that saw him picked first overall.

Lalor took five marks, two being inside 50, allowing him to convert for a goal at the end of the third quarter which was essentially the dagger as Gold Coast failed to reach the 70-point mark. Add into the mix six score involvements, which was a team-high, Lalor's impact as a rookie is unprecedented and undoubtedly has played a role in Richmond surprisingly winning two of their first six games.