Our Rookie Rankings for 2023 have undergone further change with just one round remaining, with a young Roo only strengthening his place at the summit.
The one change saw a Demons defender rewarded with a strong recent run of form and rise up a rank, swapping spots with a young Sun.
Meanwhile, a Hawks debutant was among the weekend's best performers among rookies, earning an honourable mention while emerging as a potential Rising Star contender for 2024.
Criteria: For our Rookie Rankings, we are selecting 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 prior to the 2023 season will not be considered.
I.e. Rising Star eligible players such as Sam Darcy, Finn Callaghan and Jye Amiss are ineligible, having already played an AFL match prior to Round 1, 2023.Â
Honourable Mention:
Henry Hustwaite (Hawthorn)
James O'Donnell (Western Bulldogs)
Josh Fahey (GWS)
Jacob van Rooyen (Melbourne)
2. Will Ashcroft (-)
Can't do much to help his Rising Star chances, relying on the runs he put on the board before his season-ending injury.
Ashcroft will remain in second spot in our rankings but does have multiple rivalling contenders for the Rising Star honour, with Saint Mitch Owens and Docker Jye Amiss also seen as a chance to claim the award while being ineligible for our rankings.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Ashcroft's maiden campaign saw the Lions' father-son gun average 22.1 disposals, 3.5 tackles and 3.6 clearances per game as a reliable role player in Brisbane's midfield group.
