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)
4. Judd McVee (-)
Not a standout game for McVee but still a reliable performance for the young Demon, who, like many of his teammates, helped turn the game back in Melbourne's favour after a slow start.
McVee and the rest of Melbourne's rearguard struggled against North Melbourne's attack to open the game, with the tide eventually turning after the opening break.
The Demons half-back ended the afternoon with 13 disposals (five contested) at 84% efficiency to maintain his spot in fifth overall in our rankings.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
McVee and Melbourne now turn their attention to one of the form teams of the competition in Carlton this weekend, with the Demons rookie likely to take on one of Jesse Motlop or Matt Owies.
Max Michalanney (-)
Recorded a season-high for disposals against the Suns on Saturday, amassing 19 touches to go with four marks and over 300 metres gained.
Again a dependable asset in Matthew Nicks' backline, the Round 21 performance has Michalaney edging closer to the top three with just three rounds left in the home and away season.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
The Crows, still needing multiple wins to give themselves a chance of playing final football, will head to Brisbane this weekend, where Michalanney could be going head-to-head with Lions star Charlie Cameron.
