Four of the top five in our Rookie Rankings have moved spots following Round 3, with a North Melbourne young gun now sitting at the summit.
The podium is rounded out by a pair of Demons, while a Tigers forward has returned to our top five following a strong outing against the Swans on Sunday.
Honourable mentions go to Dogs duo Harvey Gallagher and Ryley Sanders, Hawks excitement machine Nick Watson and Fremantle defender Josh Draper.
Our Rookie Rankings will expand from five players to six at the cessation of Round 6.
Selection Criteria:ย For ourย Rookie Rankings, we are ONLY 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 2024 season will not be considered. I.e. Rising Star eligible players such as George Wardlaw, Angus Sheldrick and Sam Darcyย are ineligible, having already played anย AFL match prior to Round 1, 2024.ย
Round 3 Honourable Mentions:
Joshua Draper (Fremantle)
Harvey Gallagher (Western Bulldogs)
Ryley Sanders (Western Bulldogs)
Nick Watson (Hawthorn)
3. Blake Howes (-2)
Round 3 was Howes' quietest performance of the year to date, with the Demons defender struggling to have an impact in Melbourne's thrilling win in Adelaide.
The Sandringham Dragons product came away with the seven disposals - including three clangers - while moving the ball at just 57% efficiency.
With strong starts to the year for others, including a Demons teammate, Howes slides from first overall in our Rookie Rankings to third.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
It remains tight between the top five however, meaning a strong outing at Gather Round can easily see Howes jump back into pole position.
