Gun Roo replaces Hawk, Eagle makes jump: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 13

Our Rookie Rankings after 13 rounds have seen further movement among the top seven, with a second North Melbourne young gun now making a name for himself.

The recent weekend also saw a young Eagle impress despite a horror loss, while our top two remain almost level after 13 rounds.

Young Hawk Josh Weddle has fallen out of our rankings but will be in contention for a return come the conclusion of the bye rounds when we extend our Rookie Rankings to a top eight.

Docker Matthew Johnson, who earned an honourable mention for his efforts against Richmond, is gaining plenty of plaudits and could be in consideration for a spot in the coming weeks.

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 13 Honourable Mentions:
Judd McVee (Melbourne)
Ryan Maric (West Coast)
Matthew Johnson (Fremantle)

Seamus Mitchell (-1)

Perhaps through no fault of his own, Mitchell falls one place in our Rookie Rankings after Hawthorn's win over Brisbane.

The young half-back returned to Sam Mitchell's side after a bout of illness kept him sidelined for Round 12 against Port Adelaide.

The Robinvale junior had 21 disposals and moved the ball at a rate of 90% efficiency in his return.

The Hawks have their bye this week before returning against the Suns in Round 15.

George Wardlaw (NEW)

The Roos' young inside onballer has been stellar right from the word go under Brett Ratten, averaging 16.8 disposals, 6.3 tackles and 5.8 clearances in his quartet of performances.

While yet to claim his maiden victory for North Melbourne, Wardlaw has been among the club's best in three of his four showings so far to find himself in our Rookie Rankings after a month at the top level.

He collected a season-high 22 disposals, nine tackles and six clearances to go along with his first AFL goal against the Giants on Sunday.

Should he keep this level of form up, Wardlaw could be in consideration for the Rising Star Award with a dominant back-end of the season.

The Roos will face the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium this Sunday as they look to snatch their first win with Wardlaw on the field.

Max Michalanney (-1)

Couldn't have the same impact he has shown across the opening half of the season, perhaps due to his side's dominance through midfield and limited reliance on the defensive end.

Michalanney had nine disposals and two marks against the Eagles in the 122-point win, again holding the role of a shutdown small defender for Matthew Nicks.

The Crows are scheduled for their mid-season bye for Round 14 before returning against ladder leaders Collingwood the following weeks at the MCG.

Reuben Ginbey (+1)

While the Eagles were handed arguably the worst loss of their dozen defeats so far in 2023, Ginbey again proved to be a shining light for the Eagles.

The WA native managed to find the ball on 19 occasions against the Crows to be his side;'s fourth-best ball-winner, while also amassing seven tackles, nine contested possessions and three clearances in the heavy loss.

The Eagles will welcome the bye this week after a gruelling opening half to the season, with Adam Simpson to be hoping for a fitter list across the next fortnight.

Bailey Humphrey (-)

The Suns had the bye and Humphrey was able to put his feet up after a strong past month for Gold Coast, with the teenager averaging 20.5 disposals and 1.25 goals across his four matches prior to the bye.

Gold Coast will make their return on Sunday with a trip to the MCG to face the under-fire Blues, with a win potentially propelling Stuart Dew's side into the top eight.

Will Ashcroft (-)

Had his eighth game of 20 or more disposals on Saturday in what was an afternoon to forget for the Lions, falling to the Hawks in a shock loss.

Ashcroft was among Brisbane's top competitors in his MCG debut, amassing 20 touches (five contested), four tackles and a nice goal in the opening half.

The Lions will return to the Gabba under the Friday night lights for Round 14, hosting Sydney at their home base as they look to return to the winner's column.

Harry Sheezel (-)

Played across all three lines as interim coach Brett Ratten continues to experiment with his young star, with Sheezel initially deployed at his comfortable role across half-back before moving further up the field.

Ended the evening with a loss against GWS, but managed to record 24 possessions, seven marks and two clearances while moving the ball at almost 500 metres positively.

Will have his bye round in Round 15, with North Melbourne to face the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium this Sunday before earning their rest.