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.
3. Max Michalanney (-)
The Crows will be thrilled with what they were able to get out of Michalanney in just his first season in the system, with the father-son selection often going head-to-head with the AFL's best small forwards on a weekly basis.
While many presented as tough tasks for the teenager, Michalanney was still able to claim a few one-on-one wins and put the clamps on the competition's leading goalsneaks.
His poise and disposal were highlights in his maiden season, with Michalanney also showing off his ability at ground level and in the air to quickly emerge as a player to help lead the Crows back to the summit.
Michalanney often floated between third and fifth in our Rookie Rankings throughout 2023, but lands on the podium thanks to a consistent season.
