Hawk’s strong form rewarded, a third contender arrives: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 12

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)

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.

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.

Seamus Mitchell (-)

Mitchell was excluded from the Hawthorn side that was beaten by Port Adelaide last weekend, as he battled an illness just a week after an impressive outing against St Kilda.

It is currently unknown whether he'll make his return this weekend when the Hawks do battle with the Brisbane Lions at the MCG, as he'll look to keep his place in our Rankings.

Reuben Ginbey (-1)

Ginbey's Eagles were gallant in defeat to the benchmark Magpies, with the first-year midfielder faced with the treacherous task of combating Collingwood's daunting midfield.

The big-bodied ball-winner drops a spot in our Rankings but has a chance to recoup this weekend against a Swans midfield that hasn't been overly convincing in recent times.

Max Michalanney (-1)

Michalanney had a quieter game by his recent standards (ten disposals, two marks), as his Adelaide Crows were overrun by a fast-finishing Gold Coast outfit.

Consequently, he slides one spot to fourth in our Rankings but will have a chance to compensate when Adelaide plays Collingwood this Sunday at the MCG.

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.

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.

Will Ashcroft (-)

Humphrey's astronomical climb is sure to put some pressure on Ashcroft's number two position, however, coming off a weekend when his Lions had their bye, the father-son gun will get his chance to reaffirm his runner-up ranking in Round 13.

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.