Four of the top seven in our Rookie Rankings have swapped spots after Round 9's events, with the top three remaining the same for another week.
An Eagles tackling machine has jumped two spots, while two Blues have both fallen in our rankings after Carlton's loss to the Bulldogs.
An unprecedented five players earned honourable mentions for the weekend, with Sun Bailey Humphrey, Demon Jacob van Rooyen and Hawk Seamus Mitchell all pressing for top seven spots after strong performances.
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)
Seamus Mitchell (Hawthorn)
Josh Weddle (Hawthorn)
Jacob van Rooyen (Melbourne)
Arthur Jones (Western Bulldogs)
4. Reuben Ginbey (+2)
We already knew Ginbey was a tackling machine this season, but the teenager took his contested defensive efforts to new heights in Friday's defeat to the Suns.
The Dunsborough junior recorded 16 tackles to see his season tally reach 70 tackles from nine games - the second most in the competition.
That sum is only bested by Gold Coast bull Matt Rowell, who had 17 tackles of his own against West Coast over the weekend.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The Eagles will be a live chance to secure their second win of the year in Round 10 when they face Hawthorn in Tasmania.
