Our Rookie Rankings after Round 7 have seen no change for the first time this season, while there's plenty of new candidates putting their name up for a chance heading into this weekend.
Carlton's Alex Cincotta has managed a stellar opening two games for the Blues and now looks likely to make the jump into our top seven should his form continue, while young Docker Matthew Johnson was also worthy of an honourable mention from Round 7.
The top of our rankings remain the same, but the gap between top spot and second has significantly narrowed over the past fortnight, with a young Lion now having a live chance to overtake pole position by this time next week.
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 7 Honourable Mentions
Alex Cincotta (Carlton)
Matthew Johnson (Fremantle)
1. Harry Sheezel (-)
After a difficult Round 6 outing against the Suns, Sheezel returned in style over the weekend, albeit in a heavy loss against Melbourne.
The young Roo collected 30 possessions, 11 marks and had 10 contested possessions to be among North Melbourne's best in the defeat.
But the gap now between Sheezel and Ashcroft is mightily narrow, with our first change at No.1 now alive heading into Round 8.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
Sheezel and the Roos face another tough challenge this weekend when they host St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
