The weekend's action has seen the leaderboard of our Rookie Rankings take a new shape, with Tigers defender Josh Gibcus breaking into the top five as Saint Jack Hayes falls out of the frame.

Nic Martin's return has placed the exciting young Bomber back on the podium, rejoining two of the top picks from last year's National Draft.

Hawks pair Josh Ward and Connor MacDonald continue to impress, however remain on the periphery, while Port Adelaide's Jackson Mead was impressive during the Showdown.

For our Rookie Rankings, we are taking a look at 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 previously will not be considered.

VIEW: ROUND 2 RANKINGS

Round 3 Honourable Mentions:

Reef McInnes (Collingwood) - 14 possessions, six score involvements, five inside 50s
Neil Erasmus (Fremantle) - 18 possessions, four marks, seven score involvements
Josh Ward (Hawthorn) - 20 possessions, eight contested possessions, three clearances
Jackson Mead (Port Adelaide) - 18 possessions, four tackles, three clearances

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5. Josh Rachele (-3)

The exciting Crows forward would've enjoyed his maiden Showdown, with Adelaide coming away victors thanks to a post-siren set shot from Jordan Dawson.

Another goal to his tally saw Rachele notch up his seventh major from the opening three rounds as he leads the Crows' goalkicking to start the season.

Another test for the Crows this week as they travel to Victoria to face Essendon, with Rachele hopeful of continuing his bright start campaign.

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