The final order of our Rookie Rankings for 2023 is set, with the No.1 rookie of the year named after a season that involved a plethora of impressive fresh faces.
Collingwood's Nick Daicos took out the inaugural Zero Hanger Rookie Rankings title in 2022 after a season-long battle with Bomber Nic Martin, with this year's race following a similar trend between a young Roo and a Lions midfielder.
The rankings were finalised at the conclusion of Round 24, with eight rookies ranked in the final list and many more involved over the course of the season.
Among the unlucky few who wouldn't secure a spot in our top eight by season's end were Carlton pair Ollie Hollands and Alex Cincotaa, Melbourne forward Jacob van Rooyen, Hawks defender Seamus Mitchell, gun Roo George Wardlaw and Saint Mattaes Phillipou.
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.
8. Elijah Hewett (-)
The 14th pick from last year's National Draft, Hewett was a late bloomer in our Rookie Rankings - having only played four games before Round 15.
But after returning from a concussion in June against Sydney, it was all positive for the local midfielder through to the final round of the season.
Hewett would record six matches of 15 or more possessions in that home stretch, culminating with a 21-disposal and one-goal outing in a win over North Melbourne.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
The young Eagle put his explosiveness from midfield on full display and would step up to the occasion in an arduous year for his club.
