There's further movement among the top six of our 2023 AFL Rookie Rankings, with the podium seeing a shift as a young Eagle continues to impress in the blue and gold.
North Melbourne's young star continues to hold top spot, while Hawthorn's fledgling midfielder enjoyed a strong Round 3 outing against his old Sandringham teammate.
A pair of Dees and a young Crow are beginning to strengthen their cases for a spot in the top six, with a Saints livewire falling back to the last spot in our rankings.
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.
Honourable Mentions:
Max Michalanney (Adelaide)
Jacob van Rooyen (Melbourne)
Judd McVee (Melbourne)
Noah Long (West Coast)
SEE: Rookie Rankings after Round 2
3. Reuben Ginbey (+1)
The West Coast midfielder continues to go from strength to strength each week, with his Round 3 efforts in the Derby seeing the teenager land on the podium for our Rookie Rankings.
The hard-nosed onballer currently leads the AFL for tackles after three games, recording 26 for the season to offer Adam Simpson plenty of grunt on the defensive end.
Ginbey was among the young Eagles to step up against the Dockers amid a damaging injury toll for West Coast on Sunday, with the Dunsborough native taking on more responsibility as a starting midfielder.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
His contested acumen and confidence at the top level will again be on show in the coming week, however Ginbey is sure to be tested by Melbourne's midfield threat of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.
