Our Rookie Rankings after Round 7 have seen another change to top spot, while a pair of Melbourne draftees can consider themselves unlucky not to make the top six.
The top six from last week's rankings remain the same, with the one change occurring after the weekend's results.
A Saints midfield-forward, Blues defender and Dogs debutant are this week's honourable mentions.
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 7 Honourable Mentions:
Max Hall (St Kilda) - 15 disposals, one goal, four tackles
Jedd Busslinger (Western Bulldogs) - 12 disposals, four marks, 83% disposal efficiency
Matt Carroll (Carlton) - 15 disposals, six marks, 358 metres gained
4. Sam Lalor (-)
A quieter game for Lalor but his impact was still felt in each of his 10 touches against Melbourne in Round 7, with nine of his disposals put to good use.
The No.1 draft pick was physical and commanding at the contest and managed to find space on the MCG turf in the front half to be a link-up asset, amassing three score involvements.
His decision-making under the pump was again astute, with Lalor collecting three clearances around the stoppage.
The Tigers will hope for a strong performance this weekend when they face Hawthorn in what shapes as another challenge for Adem Yze's men.
