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.
1. Harry Sheezel (-)
A fantastic first season for the third overall pick, averaging 27 disposals, 5.4 marks, 5.2 rebound 50s and 4.5 score involvements from his 23 games this year - not missing a single match.
Lie his old teammate Ashcroft, Sheezel is right in the mix for the Rising Star Award and will be in line for a stunning second season if this is the foundation of his career.
Transforming into a new role as a half-back after being drafted as the best small forward in his class, Sheezel presents as a weapon for North Melbourne to lean on for the years to come after flexing his elite ball use, run game and football smarts.
Defender
Disposals
Marks
Rebound50s
Sheezel held the lead in our Rookie Rankings for a long period after bursting into the lead thanks to a dominant Round 1 performance against West Coast, with Ashcroft taking the lead midway through the year before falling back a spot after his season-ending injury.
Alongside midfielder George Wardlaw and the rest of the Kangaroos' emerging ranks, it's an exciting time at Arden Street for Sheezel.
