Round 21 presented a wealth of classy performances from this season's batch of rookies, several of whom made notable impacts in big wins for their respective clubs.
A Melbourne midfielder has made his case to make a late charge for top spot in this week's Rookie Rankings, while two defenders have jumped up a rung in pursuit of a top-five finish.
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.
Honourable mentions:
Taj Hotton (Richmond) - 14 disposals, five marks, five score involvements
Xavier Lindsay (Melbourne) - Nine disposals, two goals
Luke Trainor (Richmond) - 14 disposals, three tackles
88. Angus Clarke (-)
Clarke unleashed another solid performance in Essendon's forward line this week while facing difficult conditions at the SCG.
The Bombers converted well inside 50 against the Swans' defence, scoring at a rate of 45.7 per cent, which is above their season average. Angus Clarke contributed 11 disposals, a handful of score involvements and a goal in a tighter-than-expected match, taking his season tally to five goals.
While the 10-gamer is listed as a midfielder, he's yet to be given the opportunity inside the centre square by senior coach Brad Scott, so it will be intriguing to see if an opportunity arises for Clarke in the final three weeks of the season.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Goals
