The Rookie Rankings after Round 18 have seen two more youngsters break into the top six, replacing Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Massimo D'Ambrosio at fifth and sixth.
A young Hawk put in arguably the best performance of the weekend, while his teammate narrowly misses out on a spot in our Rankings, with the pair both earning honourable mentions for their parts in Hawthorn's win over the Eagles.
A young Roo breaks into the top six and jumps into fifth, while out top two further extend their placing at the top.
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 17 RANKINGS
Round 18 Honourable Mentions
Josh Ward (Hawthorn)
34 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 6 clearances
A dominant performance for the young Hawk who has worked himself back from a concussion scare.
Josh Carmichael (Collingwood)
24 disposals, 8 tackles, 448 metres gained, 1 goal
Was among the Magpies' best ball winners in the engine room. 24 touches, all kicks.
Noah Cumberland (Richmond)
3 goals, 14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles
A key part in Richmond's avenue to goal, booting a team-high three majors.
Connor MacDonald (Hawthorn)
13 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 marks, 2 goals
Another strong performance for the first-year Hawk. Narrowly misses a top six spot.
5. Paul Curtis (NEW)
A standout game for the first-year Roo, emerging as a key piece in their attack while placing immense pressure on the opposition throughout a four-quarter performance.
Curtis has placed himself in the frame for a Rising Star nomination for Round 18, collecting 14 disposals, 5 score involvements, 8 contested touches and 3 goals in the drought-breaking win over Richmond.
The outing adds to a building rookie campaign at Arden Street for Curtis, who has quickly evolved into a reliable asset in a young North Melbourne side.
Forward
Goals
Marks
Tackles
North Melbourne could snatch their third win of the year this weekend when they make the trip to Tasmania to face Hawthorn on Saturday.
