Round 2 of the AFL season has led to several changes to our Rookie Rankings as we work through the early weeks of the new campaign, with a new leader and a fresh face among our top five after the weekend's results.
A Lions young gun has taken a Tiger's early lead, while a Demons winger has joined them on the podium.
A Swans draftee has taken a fellow mature-ager's spot in fifth to round out our Rookie Rankings after Round 2, while there were four honourable mentions from the eight games.
Selection Criteria: Zero Hanger's Rookie Rankings ONLY consider 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 before the 2025 season will not be considered. I.e. Rising Star eligible players such as Nate Caddy, Daniel Curtin and Connor O'Sullivan are ineligible, having already played an AFL match before Opening Round, 2025. Suspension does not make a player ineligible for our Rookie Rankings.
Round 2 Honourable Mentions:
Christian Moraes (Port Adelaide) - 17 disposals, six marks, 94% disposal efficiency
Will McLachlan (Brisbane) - Two goals, eight disposals, four contested possessions
Jack Henderson (Melbourne) - 13 disposals, five tackles, one goal
Tom Edwards (Essendon) - Eight disposals, three tackles, three goals
3. Xavier Lindsay (+1)
The Melbourne wingman has enjoyed a stellar first fortnight at AFL level, adding another 20 disposals to his season tally after a positive debut performance the week prior.
Lindsay recorded six tackles, seven contested possessions, four score involvements and a pair of clearances against North Melbourne on Sunday to earn a rise in our Rookie Rankings.
The Gippsland Power product again used the ball cleanly too, going at a disposal efficiency rating of 85 per cent.
Melbourne, who are winless from their two games, will host Gold Coast at the MCG on Saturday for their Round 3 game.
