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. Â
Round 1 honourable mentions:
Lachlan Cowan (Carlton)
Max Michalanney (Adelaide)
Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)
Bodhi Uwland (Gold Coast)
1. Harry Sheezel
What a statement by the Roos' young gun in his first game, collecting 34 disposals against the Eagles - the most in a game since 1991.
Despite being drafted to Arden Street as a small forward, Sheezel was trialled at half-back in Round 1 and slotted into the role with ease, offering plenty of precision in his ball use in the defensive 50.
The Ajax product will likely join young Swan Errol Gulden in collecting Brownlow votes in his first game, with Sheezel also adding nine marks and 631 metres gained to his maiden stat line.
Can book the young Roo in for the Round 1 Rising Star nomination, with his chances for the overall honour at season's end well within reaching distance if Sheezel can continue to piece together performances like Saturday.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Sheezel and the Roos face a tougher challenge in Round 2, making the trip west to face Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
