Our Rookie Rankings have a new leader with just three rounds remaining in the season, while the bottom two are pressing their case for spots in the top six.
The weekend's results saw no movement besides the top two swapping spots, while a pair of debutants impressed to earn honourable mentions from Round 21.
Adelaide defender James Borlase put up one of the best maiden matches we've seen this season, while Bombers' prized pick Elijah Tsatas was also impressive in a heart-stopping one-point win over West Coast.
Criteria:ย For ourย 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 asย Sam Darcy,ย Finn Callaghanย andย Jye Amissย are ineligible, having already played anย AFLย match prior to Round 1, 2023.ย
Round 21 Honourable Mentions:
James Borlase (Adelaide)
Sam Banks (Richmond)
Oliver Hollands (Carlton)
Ryan Maric (West Coast)
Elijah Tsatas (Essendon)
Dante Visentini (Port Adelaide)
6. Josh Weddle (-)
The young Hawks defender didn't put a foot wrong as his side worked through a stunning upset win over Collingwood, with Weddle playing one of the best games of his first season in the brown and gold.
The speedy backman recorded 18 touches, four marks and a goal in the 32-point win, offering plenty of dash from the defensive 50 along with some clean ball movement.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
The Hawks will be looking to cause another stir this weekend when they face the Western Bulldogs in Tasmania.
