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.
5. Bailey Humphrey (-)
The exciting young Sun was a chance to move into the top four of our Rookie Rankings before his season was cut a week short due to finger injury.
Humphrey's rookie campaign was somewhat of a rollercoaster ride for the Moe junior, who was either the sub or was subbed off in the three games that followed his debut against St Kilda in Round 4.
But in Round 8, Humphrey managed a haul of 15 disposals against Melbourne - a tally that would be bested in each of his next four games in what was a breakout period for the young midfield-forward, and the Suns.
Humphrey would earn a Rising Star nomination in Round 9 and would suddenly stand as a key piece in the club's red-hot form midway through the year, with Gold Coast turning the NT into a fortress in claiming wins over the Bulldogs and Crows.
Humphrey would play a significant role in the successive wins, which followed a 26-disposal outing in his maiden QClash appearance.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Goals
Humphrey would end the year with 19 games to his name as the Suns' next shining new sensation.
