For the second week running, a Hawthorn youngster made their first appearance in our Rookie Rankings, as the big-bodied utility steamrolled into the top seven at the expense of a bye-stricken Saint, following teammate Seamus Mitchell's lead last weekend.
Meantime, a Rising Star Sun is the other big mover after the weekend's festivities, solidifying his spot in the top three after another head-turning outing, and potentially posing a threat to Harry Sheezel and Will Ashcroft to take out the top spot by the end of the season.
Considering the prolonged superb form of the aforementioned leading duo, it would pose quite the boilover.
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 12 Honourable Mentions:
Judd McVee (Melbourne)
Jacob van Rooyen (Melbourne)
George Wardlaw (North Melbourne)
Out: Mattaes Phillipou (St Kilda)
7. Josh Weddle (NEW)
After he was afforded an honourable mention in last week's Rankings for his back-to-back impressive performances against West Coast and St Kilda, respectively, Weddle claims a well-earned ranking position this week after turning heads during a heavy defeat to Port Adelaide.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Weddle climbed high to mark on multiple occasions and tagged on 25 possessions, providing the Hawks with valuable run-and-carry as his side opted against laying down in the second half of what could have been a dispiriting loss.
