Bomber rises after late brilliance as pressure builds on top six: AFL Rookie Rankings

A fledgling Eagle and an Essendon recruit are on the cusp of breaking into our rankings.

EDITOR | July 4, 2022 - 11:25am

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Our Rookie Rankings top six has taken further shape after Round 16, but there's plenty of attention in our honourable mentions as a young Bomber and fledgling Eagle press their case for a breakthrough.

A forgotten Roo falls after not playing for close to a month, while a clutch performance from Essendon's top pick sees him rise.

A young Magpie's tight grasp on pole position was only strengthened, but there's still plenty of time left in the year to see change at the top.

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 2022 season will not be considered.

I.e. players like Jai Newcombe, Jake Bowey, Corey Durdin and Sam De Koning are ineligible.

VIEW: ROUND 15 RANKINGS

Round 16 Honourable Mentions:

Jesse Motlop (Carlton)
9 disposals, 3 goals, 88% disposal efficiency

Was a positive note for the Blues in what was a tough night in front of goal. Lead his side for majors, including one off the back of applying great pressure in attack.

Massimo D'Ambrosio (Essendon)
23 disposals, 6 marks, 4 intercepts

Is on track to break into our top six given his output across the opening three games of his career. One to watch in the coming weeks.

Brady Hough (West Coast)
20 disposals, 10 marks, 95% disposal efficiency

Was once again a highlight for the Eagles on the outside and joins D'Ambrosio in being on the fringe of the top six.

Jake Soligo (Adelaide)
20 disposals, 9 contested possessions, 5 marks

The young Crow featured among Adelaide's centre bounce attendances and looked to tussle with the league's best midfield.

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5. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (-)

A very solid performance for the young St Kilda winger, who may have jumped a spot higher had it not been for some late brilliance by a Bombers onballer.

Wanganeen-Milera was at his serviceable best for the Saints on Friday night, offering plenty of precision and run with the ball as Brett Ratten's side stormed over the top of flag contenders Carlton.

The teenager collected 14 possessions, seven marks, four tackles, two contested marks and two clearances from just 64 per cent time on ground against the Blues.

With the Saints needing to snatch wins almost every weekend to qualify for the top eight, Wanganeen-Milera is set to hold a crucial role as the season takes shape down the final stretch.