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)
1. Harry Sheezel (-)
Sheezel, statistically, may not have been as prolific (21 possessions, two marks, one tackle) against Essendon as he has been numerous times throughout the first half of his rookie season, however, multiple centre clearances, particularly during the final term at Marvel Stadium, were imperative as part of North Melbourne's attempt at mounting a spirited victory.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
