Lead change headlines top eight as Crows debutant impresses: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 21

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: 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 21 Honourable Mentions:
James Borlase (Adelaide)
Sam Banks (Richmond)
Oliver Hollands (Carlton)
Ryan Maric (West Coast)
Elijah Tsatas (Essendon)
Dante Visentini (Port Adelaide)

Elijah Hewett (-)

Was super impressive throughout periods of West Coast's heartbreaking loss on Sunday, stepping up with a goal from his 13 touches and five contested possessions.

Hewett has been on the rise for a few weeks now and narrowly misses out on moving into seventh given an equally strong performance from a Hawks backman.

The Eagles have stepped up over the past fortnight and will be right in the mix to record their third win of the season when they face rivals Fremantle this weekend.

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.

The Hawks will be looking to cause another stir this weekend when they face the Western Bulldogs in Tasmania.

Reuben Ginbey (-)

After suggesting last that Ginbey remains almost set in the top six, the performances of Weddle and Hewett are certainly making a case to break through.

The young Eagle put up plenty of runs on the board before suffering a season-ending injury, but his own teammate in Hewett has lifted in his absence.

The gap between Ginbey and the chasing pack remains significant, but it could be shortened quickly if the two behind him continue their form.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Expect Ashcroft to remain in second for the rest of the season.

Harry Sheezel (+1)

Moves back into first spot after spending the majority of the past two months in second. Sheezel held the lead for the opening half of the season before Ashcroft took his place, only for the Roos youngster to now hold top spot - likely for the rest of the year.

Sheezel managed 15 disposals and 367 metres gained against Melbourne, having started at half-back before transitioning into a more attacking role.

The North Melbourne young gun has been solid over the past few weeks and is certainly deserving of the Rising Star Award should it fall his way.