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
2Murphy Reid (-)
Reid was back to his damaging best on Saturday night, kicking two goals to go along with 14 disposals in a thrilling comeback win against the Power. One of those goals was a freakish dribbler from the pocket that defied physics and gave the travelling Fremantle fans something to remember.
Fremantle's forward line has become one of the most dynamic groups this year, with six players inside the league's top 50 goal scorers - more than every other club except Adelaide, who also have six.
Murphy Reid has undoubtedly played a part in that, as not only has he kicked a goal in each of his last three games, but he's directly assisted on five goals in those weeks too.
