A West Coast defender has made a move as the 2025 class of debutants nears the home stretch of the season.
A young Bomber was lucky to hold onto his spot as a pair of Tigers are nipping at his heels, while a Docker could press his claims for the top position after another outstanding performance.
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.
Honourable Mentions
Harry O'Farrell (Carlton) - 19 disposals, 13 marks and three tackles
Will White (Carlton) - 12 touches, two goals and five tackles
Taj Hotton (Richmond) - 11 disposals, two goals and two tackles
Xavier Lindsay (Melbourne) - nine possessions, two goals and three clearances
Luke Trainor (Richmond) - 19 touches and five marks
7Sam Lalor (-1)
The Richmond star slipped back a spot after Eagles youngster Tom McCarthy produced a strong performance against Fremantle.
Lalor has been sidelined with a season-ending hamstring injury, but he produced a solid body of work to keep him among those chasing the much-desired award of the Rookie of the Year title.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Fellow Tigers Taj Hotton, Jonty Faull and Luke Trainor are also making claims to join Lalor in the top eight.
