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)
2. Will Ashcroft (-1)
Slots back into second spot given his starring first season was cut short, with his old Sandringham Dragons teammate taking the lead and unlikely to hand over pole position.
While Ashcroft's ACL injury has seen him fall from the lead, the young Lions midfielder remains a firm chance to take out the Rising Star Award thanks to his stellar debut campaign under Chris Fagan.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Expect Ashcroft to remain in second for the rest of the season.
