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
3. Riley Bice (-)
Bice continues to impress as the surprise star of the rookie class, the mature-ager putting together another solid performance for Sydney despite the loss to Port Adelaide.
Bice had this third straight game with over 20 disposals with 21 on Sunday afternoon, taking five marks and involved in four scoring plays. He also generated six rebound 50s - only Dane Rampe had more for the Swans - and three inside 50s, his kick as impactful as it's been all season.
Bice's status as a key cog in the Swans' system is becoming increasingly clear with every game he plays, and it's why he remains a top-three rookie.
