Top 10 Rising Star contenders rated

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) Jack Whitlock Leaderboard ranking: 323rd, Rating points: 1550.9. The tall forward is figuring his game out in a much-improved second season. After playing only four games last season as an 18-year-old, he has now played in every match for Port Adelaide in 2026. Kicking just over a goal per game, Whitlock continues to show promise as a future key forward especially after having one of his better games last round in the showdown. Jacob Farrow Leaderboard ranking: 319th, Rating points: 1558.3. The 10th pick in the draft has proven himself as a future defender and distributor in this league. After debuting in Round 3, Farrow has yet to miss a game and has become a key part of Essendon's ball movement from defence. Averaging 18 disposals from defence and averaging over seven marks, he is quickly climbing the rankings in the rising star race. Phoenix Gothard Leaderboard ranking: 312th, Rating points: 1566.5 The Giants' electric small forward has had a breakthrough in his third season at the club. After playing in zero games across 2024-25, he has now played all eight games in 2026. His pressure as a forward is one of his strengths, and he has been able to hit the scoreboard as well, while accumulating 15 touches per game. He has really proven himself as an up-and-coming small forward. Josh Lindsay Leaderboard ranking: 275th, Rating points: 1595.7 Josh Lindsay has become a shining star for the disappointing West Coast Eagles across half-back. The 19-year-old is averaging 20 touches per game, becoming a key mover for the Eagles. He has shown some growth and great signs in his kicking and dash abilities, and has become a top rising star in the AFL. Leo Lombard Leaderboard ranking: 273rd, Rating points: 1598.1 The zippy forward has had a great start to 2026 after missing most of 2025 with an injury. Only playing in four games in his first season, the number nine pick has appeared in all eight games for the Suns this season. His pressure as a small forward and crafty skills have become quite the watch. His ability to help the midfield as well and become a connector has been important. Jagga Smith Leaderboard ranking: 268th, Rating points: 1602.1 The once-favourite for the Rising Star award is ranked fifth among the top rising stars. After his hot start, Smith has come back down to earth but has still had impact on games. After missing his first season with an ACL injury, he has proven to everyone why he was a highly touted player coming into the draft and why he can be one of the game's best at some point. Latrelle Pickett Leaderboard ranking: 245th, Rating points:1626 Pickett has been nothing short of electric to start the year, his speed, skill, and wizardry have been a must-watch in 2026. After being a surprise high pick, he has shown why Melbourne chose him with the 12th pick in the draft. It has been remarkable to see him running alongside Kysaiah and expect Latrelle to get a rising star nomination very soon. Jobe Shanahan Leaderboard ranking: 226, Rating points: 1637.7 After a solid first year at the Eagles, Shanahan found himself eligible enough to be on this list after only playing nine games last year. There's no surprise what he has done this year, after his good end to 2025. His marking ability and scoreboard impact has impressed thus far. Willem Duursma Leaderboard ranking: 175th, Rating points: 1686 The Pick 1 in the 2025 draft has quickly proven why he was selected at that spot. The wingman has been quite unbelievable, averaging 18 touches while also averaging just under one goal per game. His running ability and silkiness are amazing to witness. The future star is favoured to win the award at season's end, and we will be seeing a lot of Duursma in award races as his career moves along. Cooper 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.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	SYD	8	7	1	28	165.5
2	FRE	8	7	1	28	133
3	HAW	8	6	1	26	121.2
4	BL	8	5	3	20	126
5	GC	8	5	3	20	116
6	GEEL	8	5	3	20	114.6
7	MELB	8	5	3	20	100.2
8	COLL	8	4	3	18	108.6
9	STK	8	4	4	16	114.9
10	NMFC	8	4	4	16	106.1

Top 10 Rising Star contenders rated

See where the best Rising Star contenders sit according to our fan ratings 👇

9Jacob Farrow

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