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)
3. Max Michalanney (-)
Michalanney was as poised as ever on Sunday as the Crows managed to tame St Kilda's attacking third and notch up a 52-point win at home.
The young defender collected nine disposals and six marks as he went head-to-head with in-form Saints forward Jack Higgins, who ended the day with three goals from 18 touches.
Michalanney has continued to take on the opponent's best small forward threat under Matthew Nicks - a role that is seeing the teenager thrive in his debut season.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
The Crows will head to Ballarat this weekend to face the Western Bulldogs, hoping to notch up their second win at Mars Stadium in as many years.
