A Richmond youngster has climbed back to the top of the Zero Hanger Rookie Rankings this week, knocking a consistent Lion off the pedestal.
Sydney's Riley Bice has been knocked out of the top six after a quiet performance in Sydney's win over Carlton, making way for a Mid-Season draftee from St Kilda to enter the leaderboard for the first time.
Honourable mentions have been claimed by Melbourne and Port Adelaide midfielders.
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 10 Honourable Mentions
Xavier Lindsay (Melbourne) - 19 disposals, six marks
Christian Moraes (Port Adelaide) - 18 disposals, 5 tackles
1. Sam Lalor (+1)
The Rookie Rankings have a new king for now, and it couldn't be anyone other than the National Draft's Pick 1.
Lalor impressed in the presence of Dustin Martin, the three-time premiership hero who's attributes have been likened to the fresh Tiger cub.
The 18-year-old took a stunning pack mark in the goal square against the Roos to kick one of his two goals for the game, while he punted an effortless 60 metre punt to the goalline to nearly claim a third.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
As is the usual case with Lalor, he doesn't need many possessions to make an impact, recording five score involvements from just 16 disposals.
Lalor also laid three tackles, two of which were inside 50.
While Ashcroft will no doubt continue to jostle for top spot with Lalor, the prized pick enters Round 11 with the upper hand after yet another impactful display.
