Roo makes maiden appearance as Docker and Demon rise: AFL Rookie Rankings

A new rookie has entered the mix as six of the top seven move places.

EDITOR | June 16, 2025 - 10:51am

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Five of the seven spots in Zero Hanger's Rookie Rankings have moved, with a North Melbourne youngster making his first appearance for the year.

Roo Finn O'Sullivan has come into the order in place of St Kilda's Max Hall, who had a quieter week against the Western Bulldogs.

Essendon's Zak Johnson might be one more solid game away from breaking into our Rookie Rankings, while West Coast's Tom McCarthy put in one of the best performances of the year for any first-year player in his debut showing.

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 14 Honourable Mentions
Matt Carroll (Carlton) - 16 disposals, 305 metres gained, 6 intercept possessions
Tom McCarthy (West Coast) - 31 disposals, 9 intercept possessions, 1 goal assist
Zak Johnson (Essendon) - 29 disposals, 8 marks, 459 metres gained
Bo Allan (West Coast) - 14 disposals, 4 marks, 5 contested possessions

4Sam Lalor (-2)

The Pick 1 selection hasn't played since hurting his hamstring in Round 11, with his absence leading to a fall in our rankings.

With a return on the cards in the coming weeks, the Richmond young gun could be back toward the top in no time if he finds the form that put him in pole position early in the year.