The AFL Rookie Rankings are back for 2023, where we order the top six in-form debutants of the year each week as the season progresses.
Collingwood's Nick Daicos took out the 2022 Zero Hanger Rookie Rankings thanks to an unmatched debut season, claiming the crown ahead of Bomber Nic Martin and Saint Marcus Windhager.
This year's crop has seen a young Roo shoot out to an early lead, with five of the six ranked players following Round 1 selected in the first round of last year's draft, with the other being a Rookie Draft selection from 2021.
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 2023 season will not be considered.
I.e. players like Sam Darcy, Finn Callaghan and Jye Amiss are ineligible, having already played an AFL match prior to Round 1.
Round 1 honourable mentions:
Lachlan Cowan (Carlton)
Max Michalanney (Adelaide)
Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)
Bodhi Uwland (Gold Coast)
5. Mattaes Phillipou
A spark in St Kilda's upset win over Fremantle on Sunday.
The South Australian was an exciting presence in attack for Ross Lyon, who entered Round 1 with an undermanned forward line, relying on his younger ranks to pull some of the weight.
Rotating through attack, Phillipou popped up to boot his first goal in the second term and would end the evening with 16 possessions.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Likely to hold his spot come selection, Phillipou will be hoping he can impress once again when he lines up against his dad's old side in the Bulldogs.
