Our Rookie Rankings have undergone further change off the back of the weekend's performances, with a second-year Saint returning to our top seven after a career-best performance.
His return comes at the expense of a Demons rookie, while a Tigers tall drops one place to accommodate the change.
West Coast's Tom McCarthy has had two starring games in his first pair of appearances, with one more performance of the same quality likely moving him from the cusp of our rankings to a top seven spot.
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.Â
Honourable Mentions
Tom McCarthy (West Coast) - 29 disposals, 5 marks, 7 contested possessions
Alix Tauru (St Kilda) - 9 disposals, 5 marks, 14 spoils
Hugh Jackson (Port Adelaide) - 17 disposals, 3 marks, 7 score involvements
4Sam Lalor (-)
The reigning No.1 pick is likely to return to the field this week following a hamstring injury from Round 11, but he could return via the VFL given the layoff.
The Tigers' ace has remained close to the top of our Rookie Rankings despite his absence, with enough weeks left in the season giving him the chance to potentially return to top spot.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
He could return in style against the Cats on Saturday if he comes straight back into the senior side or make his VFL debut the following day when the two reserves teams clash.
