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)
3. Bailey Humphrey (+2)
Humphrey has averaged 20.5 disposals per game over the course of the last month and booted two goals in Gold Coast's comeback win over Adelaide, so the Suns' bye week probably comes at an unfortunate time for the youngster.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
However, come Round 14 and beyond, the rising midfielder will have every chance to put the clamps on Will Ashcroft's number two spot in our Rankings, and potentially even stake a claim for Sheezel's top spot.
