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
6Tom McCarthy (+1)
The Eagles' MSD has been a diamond in the rough, and his latest outing sees him jump up a spot in the Rookie of the Year rankings.
McCarthy gathered 21 possessions in the loss to Fremantle, along with six marks, 615 metres gained and a goal assist.
He also recorded five score involvements and five intercept possessions as one of Andrew McQualter's best.
His lethal kicking and dare were also on show, resulting in him pushing up the leaderboard.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
McCarthy will get a chance to consolidate his placement among the competition's rookies with a contest against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
