New contenders emerge as gun Roo holds off Lions’ cub for another week: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 10

We have a new face among our Rookie Rankings after 10 rounds, while a handful of contenders continue to emerge in pressing their case for a top seven spot.

Our top two avoided swapping spots despite both young stars playing key roles over the weekend, while a gun Sun has moved into seventh as one of three shifts among our Rankings following Round 10.

But it's the honourable mentions that are gaining more and more attention as we near the bye rounds, with Risint Star nominee Josh Weddle and Hawthorn teammate Cameron Mackenzie continuing to impress.

New Roo George Wardlaw got his career off on the right foot against the Swans, while another Hawk in Seamus Mitchell will be one to watch over the coming rounds.

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 10 Honourable Mentions:
Ollie Lord (Port Adelaide)
Josh Weddle (Hawthorn)
George Wardlaw (North Melbourne)
Cameron Mackenzie (Hawthorn)

Bailey Humphrey (NEW)

The gun Sun makes his first showing of the season in our Rookie Rankings, replacing Carlton defender Alex Cincotta on the seventh rung.

Humphrey has been tantalising for the Suns across their past two performances, with his most recent outing in the QClash earning the Moe product a return of 26 touches, 11 contested possessions, five clearances and a goal against the Lions.

The exciting teenager held his own in midfield against a star-studded Lions outfit and would drift forward to have his say on the scoreboard.

The Suns will head to Darwin on Saturday to host the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium, where Humphrey will again be tasked with coming up against a fierce opposing midfield group.

Oliver Hollands (-)

Hollands was subbed out of Michael Voss' side for the second successive week, with the young Blues winger dragged despite a promising opening half against Collingwood.

With 10 disposals at 90% efficiency, Hollands may have felt hard done by in being benched for after half-time.

Whether his elite aerobic traits are being tested after 10 games remains to be seen, with a rest potentially on offer come Round 11.

The Blues will open the proceedings this weekend when they travel to the SCG to play Sydney on Friday night.

Mattaes Phillipou (-)

Phillipou is continuing to form a reliable and consistent role under Ross Lyon this year, despite his goalless run extending to five games over the weekend.

While his direct impact on the scoreboard has fallen since the opening month of the season, Phillipou continues to be among the Saints' leading contributions in scoring chains - recording six score involvements against GWS.

The South Australian also had 13 touches, six tackles, two clearances and eight contested possessions in the win over the Giants to rise up one spot in our rankings.

The Saints will be in line to extend their winning ways when they host Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Reuben Ginbey (-)

It was a Sunday to forget for all 23 Eagles on the field at Launceston on Sunday, with Ginbey among those failing to perform to the standard requested of them.

The young Eagle battled in the opening half as he continues to hold a leading role under Adam Simpson, with Ginbey kept to 10 disposals and three tackles for the game, the latter being a new low for the Dunsborough native.

West Coast will be looking to quickly move on from the 116-point defeat and prepare to host Essendon at Optus Stadium on Saturday.

Max Michalanney (-)

It was a difficult watch for Crows fans over the weekend, with the Bulldogs putting their foot to the floor on their way to securing a 45-point win.

The onslaught saw Michalanney, among other Adelaide defenders, placed on the back foot early, with the father-son draftee left to take on the tall task of Rory Lobb following Mitch Hinge's injury.

Michalanney was again admirable in the game, looking to shut down the opposition's attack and move the ball with accuracy from the defensive third.

The Crows will host Brisbane this weekend as Michalanney looks to narrow his gap on the top two.

Will Ashcroft (-)

His first QClash appearance and he failed to disappoint on his way to recording his second 30-disposal game of the year.

Ashcroft joined star performers Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley in the middle to help lead the Lions to a win over their state rivals, with the teenager sure to have been in consideration to land the Marcus Ashcroft Medal - named after his father for the best player in the QClash.

His performance would have seen him move into pole position after 10 rounds, however the leader's own weekend outing was equally impressive.

Ashcroft and the Lions will head to Adelaide for Round 11 as they face the Crows on their home deck.

Harry Sheezel (-)

Had it not been for his stunning performance to will the Roos back into the lead late against the Swans, Sheezel would have fallen to second spot for the first time this year.

The gap between Ashcroft and Sheezel has significantly shrunk across the past month, with Round 10 looking like the weekend where the Lions cub would make his move. However, Sheezel's heroics to almost snatch a win on Saturday have seen him stave off Ashcrfot for another week.

Under interim coach Brett Ratten, Sheezel earned his first minutes in the centre of the field to feature in over a third of North Melbourne's centre bounces alongside the likes of Wardlaw, Jy Simpkin and Will Phillips.

With Ashcroft having an equally impressive outing in the QClash, the narrow gap remains heading into Round 11, where Sheezel will face ladder leaders Collingwood on Sunday.