Round 2 of the 2022 AFL season gave further insight into this season's leading candidates for our Rookie Rankings.
The weekend has seen a majority of the top five selections shift their place in the order, while a number of emerging names are pressing their case to break into the standings.
Hawthorn pair Josh Ward and Connor MacDonald are among those knocking on the door ahead of Round 3, with Tiger Josh Gibcus showing plenty of poise and potential in just his second career game as the trio earn honourable mentions.
For our Rookie Rankings, we are taking a look at 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 previously will not be considered.
VIEW: ROUND 1 RANKINGSÂ
Round 2 Honourable Mentions:
Aaron Black (West Coast) - 15 disposals, four marks, four clearances, one goal
Josh Gibcus (Richmond) - 10 disposals, four marks, 100% disposal efficiency
Josh Ward (Hawthorn) - 20 disposals, five marks, four clearances, one goal
Connor MacDonald (Hawthorn) - 18 disposals, two tackles, one goal
Having been ruled out for Round 2 through the AFL's health and safety protocols, Martin can thank his stellar Round 1 outing for his current place in our rankings.
The 27-disposal, five-goal haul placed the exciting Bomber at No.1 after the opening weekend, however, a week off has seen Martin drop to fifth.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Set to make his return this weekend against Melbourne, the Western Australian will be hopeful his form can continue against the reigning premiers as the Bombers chase their first victory of the season.
The mature-aged Saint started strongly in his side's trip to Perth, recording six possessions and laying four tackles by the end of the opening term.
While his numbers may have cooled off in the following quarters, Hayes continued to offer a service to his side in attack and as a ruckman.
The South Australian ended his evening with 12 possessions, three clearances, four tackles, six hit-outs and seven contested touches.
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Disposals
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Hayes' stunning Round 1 outing against Collingwood has the Saints utility in good stead however, only falling one spot in our rankings.
Selection won't come as easy next week with veteran tall Paddy Ryder tipped to return, but Hayes' place in Brett Ratten's best side should be extended for their Round 3 clash with Richmond.
While we're yet to see the best of the No.1 pick, there's no arguing Jason Horne-Francis has delivered consistency on what has been asked of the bullish onballer.
The Roos' young gun has slotted into David Noble's midfield and quickly is matching it with ready-made talent, with Sunday no exception.
While the Eagles were undermanned across the field, Horne-Francis was still tasked with going up against the likes of Luke Shuey and Tim Kelly in the engine room.
Midfield
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The South Adelaide product recorded 13 contested possession from his 20 touches, while also tallying four marks, four tackles and five intercepts.
The young Crows goalsneak was able to add to his goal-scoring tally almost instantly on Saturday, booting his sixth major of the season in just his fifth quarter of football.
Rachele also added another 20 disposals - eight of which contested - to his tally while showing further signs of his crafty presence in attack and through the midfield.
Ranked second last week, Rachele has done enough to hold his place toward the top of our rankings but is facing growing competition for a place on the podium.
Forward
Goals
Marks
Tackles
Should a strong Showdown performance ensue this week, the Adelaide teenager will be a strong chance for pole position come the cessation of Round 3.
The prized Collingwood pick looks right at home in Craig McRae's system, linking up within the free-flowing ball movement between defence and midfield.
Daicos recorded 22 touches in the Magpies' seven-goal win over Adelaide at the MCG, also amassing four marks and nearly 350 metres gained.
While the performance wasn't as dazzling or prolific as his debut, it has placed Daicos as one of the more consistent operators among this year's rookie class.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
The teenager will face a more arduous task this weekend when the Magpies return to the 'G to face Geelong, with Daicos hoping to hold his place atop our rankings with another strong outing.