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Crow and Bomber battle, Dockers bolter emerges: AFL Rookie Rankings

See how our Rookie Rankings have shifted after the weekend 📈

Published by
Mitch Keating

The Rookie Rankings after the opening month have taken further shape, with a Dockers youngster breaking into the top five as a Richmond defender makes way.

The top four has also seen a shuffle after strong performances from the new top quartet, with Round 3 leader Nick Daicos only adding to his promising first season in style on Saturday against the Eagles.

A Saints duo have taken strong steps after their 69-point win over Hawthorn, while a Port youngster and a mercurial Docker also add to our honourable mentions for the second straight week.

For our Rookie Rankings, we are taking a look at 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 previously will not be considered.

VIEW: ROUND 3 RANKINGS

Round 4 Honourable Mentions:

Marcus Windhager (St Kilda) - 14 possessions, six score involvements, five inside 50s
Neil Erasmus (Fremantle) - 15 possessions, five tackles, eight contested possessions
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (St Kilda) - 18 possessions, seven marks, 83.3% disposal efficiency
Jackson Mead (Port Adelaide) - 14 possessions, three tackles

Nathan O'Driscoll (New)

After making his debut as a medical sub in Round 2, O'Driscoll has continued to build on any chance that comes his way at senior level. His prolific performance in Round 4 sees him replace Tiger Josh Gibcus in our rankings.

The Perth product was an x-factor in Fremantle's win over the Giants on Saturday night, recording 20 disposals, six tackles, nine contested possessions and two goals to feature among his side's best.

The performance places the second-year Docker in our Rookie Rankings for the first time this season, with his current trajectory on course for further ascendancy as Fremantle also continue their hot run of form.

Nic Martin (-1)

The unstoppable form of others on this list has seen the Bombers' recruit drop one place in our rankings despite another professional and exciting four-quarter effort.

Another 22 possessions and a goal further added to Martin's stunning story, having only joined the Bombers' list just months ago.

His running capabilities and intelligent disposal usage has quickly placed Martin as a mainstay in Ben Rutten's ensemble, sharing his time between the wing and in attack.

A meeting with Fremantle this week is sure to test both Martin and the Bombers as they look to add to their first win of the season.

Josh Rachele (+2)

Rivalling Martin in Sunday's thriller at Marvel Stadium was Josh Rachele, who was once again among the leading goalkickers for the Crows.

The Murray Bushrangers talent added a further three majors to his 2022 tally, now totalling 10 from his four appearances to sit equal seventh on the Coleman Medal leaderboard.

With the game on the line for the Crows, Rachele was a constant presence in their ball movement forward, collecting seven possessions as the South Australian club fell narrowly close to victory.

Nine marks, seven score involvements and eight contested touches from his 19-disposal outing has Rachele back on the podium of our Rookie Rankings.

Jason Horne-Francis (-)

The early season trend for Jason Horne-Francis continued into Round 4, with the No.1 pick continuing to be a dominant presence in midfield despite the Roos falling short.

The South Australian had 16 disposals, five clearances, four tackles and nine contested possession ... at half-time!

The talented teenager ended his evening with a team-high six clearances and continued to flourish with further exposure in midfield.

With the Roos' run no easier this week as they face the Bulldogs on Good Friday, Horne-Francis will continue to fight an uphill battle to keep his place high on our rankings.

Nick Daicos (-)

The Magpies' father-son selection is the exact player every had hoped to see in the black and white, however he's meeting these expectations years earlier than first thought.

Daicos - along with his brother Josh - was once again among Collingwood's leading ball winners and used almost all of his 32 possessions with precision.

Now featuring across half-forward and through the middle, the prized Pie is a key ingredient in Collingwood's ball movement going forward and is managing to out-class senior opponents on a weekly basis.

By far the most consistent rookie across the opening month, it will take some doing to knock Daicos off his perch in the coming weeks.

Published by
Mitch Keating