Our Zero Hanger AFL Player Ratings has determined who would be currently leading the Rising Star race if the season ended now.
The ratings are a fan-voted AFL player concept where two players are compared to each other based on a certified Elo rating algorithm, and you get to choose who you believe is the better player.
To fit the Rising star criteria players must be under the age of 21 and have played in 10 or less games before the season has started.
(These rankings are accurate as of May 7)
1Cooper Trembath
Leaderboard ranking: 142nd, Rating points: 1730.1
The high-flying forward has earned his spot at the top of the rising stars list. After being drafted as a midseason rookie in 2025, Trembath has quickly come onto the scene in 2026.
Averaging nearly two goals per game for an improved North Melbourne side has been something not many would have predicted. His ability to fly and hit packs, mark the ball or bring it to ground and then hit the scoreboard is an important sign to why he will be a great forward in the AFL.
