Gap between top two narrows, new Blue’s hot start: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 7

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, Finn Callaghan and Jye Amiss are ineligible, having already played an AFL match prior to Round 1, 2023. 

Round 7 Honourable Mentions
Alex Cincotta (Carlton)
Matthew Johnson (Fremantle)

Jacob van Rooyen (-)

Melbourne's young forward narrowly holds his spot at No.7 despite a quieter evening against a hapless Kangaroos defence.

van Rooyen booted just the single major as the Demons piled on 22 goals against North Melbourne, with the Western Australian now having 10 goals to his name from his five appearances to be fourth on the club's leaderboard.

Carlton's Alex Cincotta has pieced together a strong opening fortnight with the Blues to now be breathing down the neck of the top seven rookies.

van Rooyen has a chance to strengthen his bid for a rise up our rankings when the Demons meet Gold Coast at Carrara on Saturday.

Mattaes Phillipou (-)

The young Saint's form has perhaps petered over the past couple of weeks, but with no standout from below, he holds his spot at sixth, for now.

The exciting forward collected 12 touches on Friday night but couldn't kick a goal, seeing his season tally remain at six majors for the third straight week.

The Saints are seen likely to jump back into the winner's column on Sunday when they face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

Reuben Ginbey (-)

Another seven tackles for Ginbey over the weekend sees the Eagles' young bull break the 50 mark from his first seven games to rank fourth in the competition behind Matt Rowell, James Rowbottom and Marcus Bontempelli.

Ginbey also managed 10 disposals and three clearances in what was a tough night for West Coast, falling to Carlton by 108 points.

The Eagles could be a chance to secure their second win of the season in Round 8 when they come up against an out-of-form Richmond outfit at the MCG.

Oliver Hollands (-)

Holds his spot at No.4 in our rankings following his side's dominant win over West Coast on Saturday night.

Hollands booted the first goal of his career to open the Blues' account against the Eagles before ending the night with a dozen disposals and five marks on the wing.

The Blues face Brisbane on Friday night for what will be a big test for Michael Voss' men.

Max Michalanney (-)

Another commendable performance for the young Crows backman, who amassed 12 touches and 300 metres gained in Round 7.

Adelaide was unable to stave off a late Collingwood surge to hold on for the win, but the South Australian side remains a top contender this season, with Michalanney holding a key role on Matthew Nicks' last line.

The Crows will be challenged again this week when they make the trip to Geelong for their Round 8 showing.

Will Ashcroft (-)

A season-best performance for the Lions' young gun, who is now also in the running for Goal of the Year on top of his Rising Star prospects.

A stunning mid-air boot in the Gabba pocket might be enough for Ashcroft to take the car home, with his acrobatic efforts among his plethora of highlights against the Dockers.

Ashcroft ended his afternoon with 28 possessions and two goals in 48-point will, further narrowing the gap between himself and top spot in our Rookie Rankings.

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The Lions will be hoping to continue their winning run this week when they venture to Marvel Stadium to play Carlton on Friday night.

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.

Sheezel and the Roos face another tough challenge this weekend when they host St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.