This weekend's action has seen a new face emerge into our top six Rookie Rankings for the 2022 season, with a young Port Adelaide ruckman making his first appearance.
With several of the season's top rookies were absent from Round 9, little movement ensued among the top, however Crow Josh Rachele has fallen out of the top six after a quiet past month.
Saint Marcus Windhager was emphatic after coming onto the field as the medical sub in the Saints' win over Geelong, while Giant Cooper Hamilton and Bomber Ben Hobbs also earned honourable mentions from the weekend.
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 2022 season will not be considered.
VIEW: ROUND 8 RANKINGS
Round 9 Honourable Mentions
Cooper Hamilton (GWS Giants)
19 disposals, 257 metres gained, 84.2 disposal efficiency
A season-high 19 possessions in his third AFL game, with Hamilton continuing to play a hard-nosed defensive role for the Giants. Is contending closely with top draftee Finn Callaghan as the club's best first-year player.
Marcus Windhager (St Kilda)
15 disposals, seven score involvements, 86.7 disposal efficiency
Was arguably the standout rookie of the weekend after starting as the medical sub against the Cats before having a significant impact on the game with just 56% time on ground. Another performance like Saturday's will see Windhager among the top six in our rankings.
Ben Hobbs (Essendon)
17 disposals, one goal, three clearances, five marks
Added to his impressive Round 8 game against the Hawks with another strong outing on the weekend, albeit in a damning loss to the Swans. Has looked to have locked his spot in Ben Rutten's 22.
1. Nic Martin (-)
The Bombers' young gun holds his place at No.1 despite a disappointing evening for Essendon at the SCG in Round 9.
Martin recorded a season-low 15 disposals against the Swans, which is no mean feat for a first-year player. Martin was able to remain prolific in the Bombers' attacking ball movement, recording five score involvements and three clearances for the game.
The Western Australian also used the ball with a disposal efficiency of 86.7%, while also impacting the scoreboard with a stellar goal on his left foot from distance.
The athletic midfield-forward will be feeling Daicos breathing down his neck after Round 9 and will see Saturday's clash with the Tigers at the MCG as a big stage to cement his place as No.1.
