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,ย Finn Callaghanย andย Jye Amissย are ineligible, having already played anย AFL match prior to Round 1, 2023.ย
Round 8 Honourable Mentions
Bailey Humphrey (Gold Coast)
Arthur Jones (Western Bulldogs)
Blake Drury (North Melbourne)
3. 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.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
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.
