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)
3. Bailey Humphrey (-)
A quieter performance for the Suns' first-round pick during the opening period of the game when the Crows shot out to a strong lead early.
Humphrey eventually made the move into midfield and was able to offer some defensive grunt to support the likes of Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson, recording seven tackles and two clearances to his dozen disposals.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Goals
Is no certainty to hold his place on the podium with three weeks left, with Michalanney making a case to jump up another spot before the season ends.
