Another Blue in the top five as forward falls out: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 8

A second Carlton player has moved into our Rookie Rankings after eight rounds, with a young Demon making way after three weeks among the top seven.

The newest arrival has seen a shift between fifth, sixth and seventh, while the top four remains the same from Round 7 after a strong weekend of form for our best-rated rookies.

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. 

Round 8 Honourable Mentions
Bailey Humphrey (Gold Coast)
Arthur Jones (Western Bulldogs)
Blake Drury (North Melbourne)

Mattaes Phillipou (-1)

It was certainly an exciting performance for the young Saint, who almost kicked a nice goal on the run from distance before plucking a high-flying mark to show off his aerial capabilities.

Phillipou slides one spot from sixth after Round 8 but is right within the chasing pack outside of the top three, with his efforts against the Roos keeping him among the top seven for another week.

The South Australian posted 13 possessions, six marks, four tackles and had five score involvements in the win over North Melbourne.

The Saints, and Phillipou, will be presented with a tougher battle in Round 9 when they travel to SA to face Adelaide on Sunday.

Reuben Ginbey (-1)

Much like Phillipou, Ginbey has slid in a spot in our rankings perhaps due to plateaued form and the rise of others in recent rounds.

Ginbey was again called upon to be a vocal presence in Adam Simpson's undermanned midfielder group over the weekend, with the top 10 pick recording 16 disposals, four clearances and four tackles in the loss to Richmond.

Certainly not a poor performance for a player of Ginbey's experience, but spots among the top five are becoming competitive.

The Eagles have a chance to snatch their second win of the season this weekend when they host the Suns at Optus Stadium on Friday night.

Alex Cincotta (NEW)

Carlton's mature-aged recruit finds himself at fifth overall in our Rookie Rankings after having an immediate impact at senior level for the Blues.

The Round 8 loss to the Lions was Cincotta's third appearance for Carlton since making his debut against St Kilda, with the pre-season pick-up now averaging over 20 possessions from his trio of matches.

The former VFL-listed Blue has looked composed under the pressure Carlton's backline has received in recent weeks to now find himself in our rankings and sitting among the top five.

Likely to hold his spot for another week, Cincotta will be looking to build on his impressive start to the season when the Blues clash with the Bulldogs in Round 9.

Oliver Hollands (-)

The second Blue in our rankings, Carlton's rookie wingman recorded his third game of 20 or more possessions in Friday's loss to the Lions, floating through all three lines of the field to also boot his second goal of the year.

Hollands also recorded an equal season-high for clearances with three, while also amassing a career-best five score involvements against Brisbane.

While a number of magnets inside Carlton's midfield are shifting come selection, Hollands has managed to book himself a spot on the wing under Michael Voss.

The Blues will face fellow top eight hopefuls the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night as they look to bounce back from the Brisbane defeat.

Max Michalanney (-)

Adelaide's backline came up against arguably the most arduous opposition in Geelong's attacking contingent - a battle that was only compounded when Nick Murray was subbed out at the main break.

The injury forced a shift to the Crows' defensive structure, with Michalanney relied on to help tame superstar Cats forward Jeremy Cameron in what was a commendable performance for the South Australian unit and their father-son rookie.

Michalanney stood tall to not lose his sole contested one-on-one contest and recorded 12 possessions from seven marks to keep his cool down back.

Adelaide will welcome St Kilda to Adelaide Oval on Sunday, with Michalanney potentially tasked with taking on Saints youngster and former SA teammate Mattaes Phillipou.

Will Ashcroft (-)

A quieter game by the midfielder's standards, recording an equal season-low 13 possessions in Friday's win over the Blues.

Ashcroft was still able to use the ball cleanly when it was in his hands, moving the Sherrin at 84.6 per cent efficiency - a season-high rating for the Lions cub.

Ashcroft has more than enough runs on the board to retain his place at second overall, but his reach for top spot has slid a degree after the weekend.

The Lions will host Essendon in Round 9 as they look to continue their winning run.

Harry Sheezel (-)

The Roos' young star recorded his sixth 30-disposal appearance of the season in Sunday's loss to St Kilda, seeing his season average sit at 38.6 disposals from his eight matches in the AFL.

Sheezel was again a key contributor at half-back under Alastair Clarkson, however his impact was certainly felt when around the contest, recording nine contested possessions, two clearances and six score involvements in the game.

It's become a standard performance for the former Sandringham Dragon, who only strengthen his place atop our Rookie Rankings in Round 8.

The Roos will continue to chase their third win of the season and first since Round 2 when they face Port Adelaide in Tasmania on Saturday.