Hawks defender, Crows young gun move up among top eight shifts: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 22

We have just two rounds remaining in the home and away season, with our Rookie Rankings containing to see changes among the top eight.

A Hawks defender and a Crows backman have each gone up one spot in our rankings following Round 22, with a sidelined Eagle and Suns ace both falling back a spot each as a result.

Our leader has only strengthened his place at the top, while a teammate was among four players to earn an honourable mention for their efforts over the weekend.

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 22 Honourable Mentions
George Wardlaw (North Melbourne)
Elijah Tsatas (Essendon)
Matthew Johnson (Fremantle)
Mattaes Phillipou (St Kilda)

Elijah Hewett (-)

Albeit in a 101-point defeat to Fremantle, Hewett was again impressive when able to have an impact on the game.

The Eagles teenager would come away from the Western Derby with 20 touches (10 contested) and four clearances for the evening, adding to a strong run of performances for the first-round draft pick, who was again among West Coast's attendees at centre bounces.

Hewett and his Eagles face another challenge this weekend when they travel to Marvel Stadium to face the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

Reuben Ginbey (-1)

A surprising outcome with where Ginbey sat at the time of his hamstring setback, but the form of a young Hawk has seen West Coast's young midfielder fall into seventh spot.

Unlikely to fall outside of the top eight throughout the last two rounds, Hewett remains in reaching distance heading into the final fortnight.

While he hasn't been able to finish his debut campaign, Ginbey will end 2023 with plenty of confidence heading into his second pre-season.

Josh Weddle (+1)

Has gone from strength to strength over the past month as the Hawks continue to claim some scalps who sit in the finals mix.

The Bulldogs were the latest to come up against Sam Mitchell's side, with Weddle once again a key piece in helping the Hawks move the ball between the arcs.

Ended the afternoon with 18 disposals and eight marks while moving the ball at 94% efficiency in the three-point win.

The Hawks now set their sights on Melbourne for Round 23, looking to extend their winning ways to end the season on a high.

Judd McVee (-)

Was again a dependable asset across half-back for the Demons, who suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Blues on Saturday night.

McVee came away from the four-point defeat with 13 touches for a return of 280 metres gained, even stepping up as a key link in the chain as Melbourne managed to claw themselves back into the contest late.

McVee and the Demons will have Hawthorn and Josh Weddle to deal with in Round 23, with Melbourne still in the hunt to secure a top-two finish.

Bailey Humphrey (-1)

Spent more time in the forward third against the Swans but still managed 18 disposals and eight contested possessions against the Swans.

Falls one place due to the form of a Crows defender, with Humphrey still right in consideration for a top three finish.

The Suns will face the form side of the competition in Carlton this weekend before concluding their campaign against North Melbourne.

Max Michalanney (+1)

Moves into a podium spot after attempting to handle Brisbane stat Charlie Cameron in the narrow loss, with the Lions ace coming away with the win over Michalanney with three goals.

Despite Cameron having a significant impact, Michalanney had more than enough glimpses and moments to show he can go head-to-head with the competition's top line of small forwards.

The Crows' backman laid five tackles, took seven marks and had 11 possessions on the offensive against the Lions, with a big final two weeks on the horizon.

Adelaide will face a crucial clash against Sydney this weekend before ending their home and away season against West Coast.

Will Ashcroft (-)

Fell back to second spot this weekend and will hold his place one spot behind Harry Sheezel in the queue.

Remains well in the hunt for the Rising Star Award despite his season-ending setback, with the likes of Sheezel, Jye Amiss and Mitch Owens also in consideration.

Will be back in 2024 playing at a step above, with his importance in Brisbane's midfield group shown since his setback.

Harry Sheezel (-)

Had the ball on a string against Essendon in his more accustomed half-back role, notching up 32 possessions, six marks and over 450 metres gained in a narrow defeat.

Offered great service with his constant run and elite ball use, ending the afternoon with a disposal efficiency rating of 93%.

Having missed out on snapping their losing run once again, the Roos will be hoping to go a step further and secure that elusive win this weekend against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.