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.
Brisbane's prized father-son selection dominated in extra midfield minutes while a Bombers youngster earned the respect of his peers in a valiant effort at the Cattery, as the Rookie Rankings reach the home stretch.
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) - 10 disposals, three marks, three score involvements
Cooper Trembath (North Melbourne) - Six disposals, three goals
7Angus Clarke (+1)
Angus Clarke was influential in the Bombers' eventual 44-point loss to Geelong, though the end margin doesn't tell the full story. Essendon's forward line fought tooth and nail to catch the stout Geelong defence out of place, with Clarke getting involved in four scores.
Clarke's 17 disposals represented his highest output since Round 15 as he regularly presented as an option for the Bombers within transition chains, taking seven marks and creating nine handball receives, one of the highest for the Bombers that night.
Essendon and Clarke will look to snap their eight-game losing streak against the Saints on Friday night.
