Top five shake-up as Tiger makes his move, Demon continues case: AFL Rookie Rankings

We have a new leader as all five spots undergo change.

EDITOR | April 14, 2025 - 9:13am

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The top five from last week's Rookie Rankings has undergone sweeping changes, with a new name taking pole position while another fresh face breaking in.

A young Docker has been usurped for the top spot, while a mature-aged Swan has jumped two places for his Gather Round performance.

Melbourne's Harvey Langford is continuing to build a case for a top-five spot, while No.1 pick Sam Lalor falls out of our rankings due to missing Round 5 through injury and the form of others.

Our Rookie Rankings will extend to a top six after Round 6, with a new rung to be added every half-dozen weeks.

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.

Round 5 Honourable Mentions:
Tom Gross (West Coast) - 18 disposals, four marks, three tackles
Harvey Langford (Melbourne) - 23 disposals, eight contested possessions, three clearances
Max Hall (St Kilda) - 17 disposals, one goal
Finn O'Sullivan (North Melbourne) - 15 disposals, 365 metres gained, 80 per cent disposal efficiency
Tom Hanily (Sydney) - 11 disposals, two goals, 90 per cent efficiency

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1. Levi Ashcroft (+1)

The Brisbane father-son gun has been as consistent as many to start his AFL career, with his latest performance against the Western Bulldogs arguably his best.

Ashcroft managed 22 disposals, six marks, eight score involvements, 433 metres gained and a goal on the wing in the comeback win over the Dogs.

The Lions midfielder returns to the top after first holding the lead at the end of Round 2, with his former Sandringham Dragons teammate Reid taking his place in recent weeks.