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
3Harvey Langford (-)
Langford's ability to impact the scoreboard was seen again in the Demons' thrilling contest with the Bulldogs, kicking his fifth goal in three weeks and registering eight score involvements for the match, the third-highest amount for Melbourne.
His goal came in a crucial moment in the fourth quarter, setting Melbourne up for a legitimate chance to win the game, highlighting his cool, collected nature in big moments.
There will be plenty of growth to see from Langford, even in these last two weeks of the season for Melbourne, as the club looks to play finals-like matches against two teams vying for a top-four spot in Hawthorn and Collingwood.
