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 inauguralย Zero Hanger Rookie Rankingsย 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:ย For ourย 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 asย Sam Darcy,ย Finn Callaghanย andย Jye Amissย are ineligible, having already played anย AFLย match prior to Round 1, 2023.ย
4. Judd McVee (-)
A bolter in our Rookie Rankings, with McVee the only player in the final Rookie Rankings order not to be drafted last year.
While the other seven were all taken in the first-round of last year's draft, McVee was a Rookie Draft selection in 2021 and was required to wait until his side's season opener against the Bulldogs to earn a debut this year.
The young Demons flanker flourished on the big occasions, often going head-to-head with premier small forwards to build his case at selection each and every week.
McVee wouldn't miss a single game and would keep the likes of Michael Hibberd and Jake Bowey out of the senior side at times this year.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
McVee is also the only player in this list who will feature in the finals action over the coming weeks, with the Melbourne youngster able to build on a strong year.
