Zero Hanger's Rookie Rankings for the 2025 AFL season are underway, with the top five spots locked in after Round 1.
2025's Rookie Rankings will be our fourth edition, with Collingwood ace Nick Daicos (2022), North Melbourne gun Harry Sheezel (2023) and West Coast sensation Harley Reid (2024) all previous winners.
This year's rankings will start with power rankings of the top five debutants of the new year, with every six rounds to see another spot added to our rankings.
The opening two weeks of the AFL season, which tallied just 11 matches, included a total of 25 debutants, with several having standout performances to start their careers and new campaigns.
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, Daniel 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
Round 1 Honourable Mentions:
Riley Bice (Sydney) - 12 disposals, 304 metres gained, 31% game time
Lucas Camporeale (Carlton) - 20 disposals, five tackles
Harry Boyd (St Kilda) - 12 disposals, four clearances, 27 hitouts
Luke Trainor (Richmond) - 15 disposals, five marks, 372 metres gained
2. Levi Ashcroft
The Lions' father-son flourished in a starting role for Chris Fagan, having initially been flagged as the tactical sub before a late change led to Ashcroft getting a full game in the grand final rematch.
Ashcroft recorded 25 disposals, nine contested possessions, four clearances, and close to 500 metres gained in his first appearance for the reigning premiers, potentially locking himself into a starting spot for the weeks ahead.
His efforts on the wing, through the middle and in attack saw the teenager as composed as he was at the U18s level last year, with the ready-made midfielder looming as another talent who can force himself into this Lions side.
Midfielder
Disposals
Contested Possessions
Clearances
What was exciting for Ashcroft was his impact when the game was on the line on Saturday, with the gun ball-winner now looking to back up his maiden performance this weekend against West Coast.
