New Hawk breaks into top six, Pies forward’s big night: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 21

We have just two rounds remaining in the home and away season, leaving plenty of time for further change in our Rookie Rankings.

This week sees a young Hawk land his maiden appearance in the top six, replacing a promising Crow Jake Soligo on the fringe of our rankings.

Criteria: For our Rookie Rankings, we are selecting 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 prior to the 2022 season will not be considered.

I.e. players like Jai Newcombe, Jake Bowey, Corey Durdin and Sam De Koning are ineligible.

VIEW: ROUND 20 RANKINGS

Round 21 Honourable Mentions:

Ash Johnson (Collingwood)

Was among Collingwood's best on Friday night, booting four goals and playing a key role in their thrilling win.

Elijah Hollands (Gold Coast)

Is showing no signs of struggling at AFL level, with his third game once again placing the young Sun among his side's best.

Brynn Teakle (Port Adelaide)

His return game from a broken collarbone, taking on the first-string ruck duties and showing why the Power rolled the dice on his services at the Mid-Season Draft.

6. Josh Ward (NEW)

After a dominant few weeks as one of Hawthorn's more prominent ball winners, Ward has worked his way into our ranking for the first time this season.

The Hawks' top pick endured a difficult opening half to the season through form and injury, but the last month has seen Ward in stellar form, collecting 20 or more disposals in his past four matches.

In a gutsy Hawthorn win on Saturday, Ward was a constant link in his side's ball movement toward goal, even booting a major himself.

With a fortnight left in the season, there's enough time for Ward to press his case for a potential podium finish in our rankings.

5. Noah Cumberland (-)

The Tigers' spritely forward added another two goals to his season tally, now sitting at 13 majors after scoring in five straight games.

Cumberland recorded 10 touches in the win over Port Adelaide, and will likely be a key piece in Richmond's potential finals berth.

The 21-year-old has complimented Damien Hardwick's attack effortlessly across the past five weeks, with Tom Lynch and Shai Bolton also leading the way for the Tigers.

Richmond will face Hawthorn in the penultimate round of the season, before ending their home and away campaign against Essendon in a match that could decide their finals fate.

4. Ben Hobbs (-)

Another sturdy performance for the Bombers young gun in what was a damning display from the Tullamarine club.

Hobbs collected 13 possessions and a goal in the loss, continuing in his forward-line role under senior coach Ben Rutten.

The performance was no standout for Hobbs, who is set to face comeptition for his spot in the coming weeks due to the rise of Cumberland and Ward.

The Bombers will face Port Adelaide this weekend before they look to end their campaign on a high against Richmond in Round 23.

3. Marcus Windhager (-)

Another tagging role for Windhager over the weekend, this time coming up against Geelong ball-magnet Cam Guthrie at Kardinia Park

While the teenager didn't negate Guthrie from the game entirely, his clamps certainly limited the Cats onballer's influence through the middle.

Windhager collected 17 touches, 6 tackles and 5 contested touches in loss, certainly doing no damage to his spot in our rankings.

The Saints face an uphill battle in their hopes of landing a finals finish, with upcoming contests against the Lions and Swans to finalise their run home.

2. Nic Martin (-)

Was again among Essendon's best in what was a forgetful outing against GWS on Saturday, with the Bombers again undoing a strong run of form with a tumultuous performance.

The matchup failed to hinder Martin's influence, with the outside midfield-forward holding down his role at wing and half-forward for the Bombers.

Martin collected 17 possessions and 7 marks in the loss to be among Essendon's best and most efficient ball winners, continuing to impress with such little experience.

Martin will look to end the 2022 season in better form, lining up against the Power and Tigers to conclude their year.

1. Nick Daicos (-)

A team-high 31 disposals saw Daicos further strengthen his chances for an All-Australian jacket in his maiden campaign.

At the very least, the prized Magpie is likely to land a squad selection, a stunning feat for a first-year player in today's game.

Daicos is currently averaging 26.3 disposals per game this season and hasn't dropped below 21 possessions since Round 11.

His performance in Friday night's hitout with the Demons, which saw Collingwood boost their minor premiership chances with two rounds remaining.

Daicos and the Magpies will have two more tough tests on their agenda to end their home and away campaign, facing Sydney at the SCG this weekend before returning to the MCG to face arch-rivals Carlton.