Richmond rookie lands in top five as Roo takes pole position: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 3

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: For our 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 Darcy are ineligible, having already played an AFL match prior to Round 1, 2024. 

Round 3 Honourable Mentions:
Joshua Draper (Fremantle)
Harvey Gallagher (Western Bulldogs)
Ryley Sanders (Western Bulldogs)
Nick Watson (Hawthorn)

Seth Campbell (NEW)

After being one of five Opening Round debutants to sit in our Rookie Rankings following the first weekend of action, Campbell has returned to our top five following a strong past fortnight.

The Tigers attacker has cemented his place in Adem Yze's forward line and was among the crop of Richmond youngsters who helped steer the yellow and black to their first win under their new coach.

While going without a goal, Campbell still had a resounding impact through his 14 disposals, eight inside 50s, one goal assist and over 400 metres gained.

A highlight for Campbell came later into his side's five-point win, with the small forward scooping up the ball at pace to kick his side to safety from half-back in the dying minutes.

The Tasmanian and his Tigers will meet St Kilda at Norwood Oval this Sunday as part of Gather Round, with an undermanned Richmond attack set to place more reliance on their promising youngster.

Harley Reid (-)

It was another tough afternoon for the Eagles, who struggled to stay competitive against the Bulldogs after a promising opening quarter.

Reid looked to have an impact whenever he was around the contest, coming away from the heavy loss with 12 disposals, five clearances and seven contested possessions while drifting between midfield and half-back.

It was another game of glimpses for Reid, who was able to flex his physicality in a head-to-head battle with Dogs veteran Adam Treloar throughout the match.

It won't get any easier for West Coast this week, with the Perth powerhouse to face Sydney during Gather Round.

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.

It remains tight between the top five however, meaning a strong outing at Gather Round can easily see Howes jump back into pole position.

Caleb Windsor (+1)

The Demons speedster perhaps didn't put in a four-quarter performance in the win over the Power, but he did show up when it mattered.

His long-range final-quarter goal in the seven-point win could be compared to that of a 200-gamer, with Windsor's composure in a nail-biting contest emerging as a real difference for the teenager.

Windsor ended the game with 12 disposals and was one of ten different goalkickers for Melbourne on Saturday night.

The Demons wingman has the chance to go top next week should he piece together an impressive performance against Adelaide on Thursday night.

Colby McKercher (+1)

North Melbourne's young star has continued to rise each week this season and now finds himself atop our Rookie Rankings after his third match.

His 19 disposals against Carlton is stunningly a season low, with McKercher adding six marks, six intercept possessions and over 260 metres gained in a tough slog on Good Friday.

The midfielder-turned-rebounding defender has looked comfortable at the top level and was again a promising performer for the Roos despite another loss.

A clash with Brisbane this week in South Australia will be an enticing watch as both sides look to secure their first victory of 2024.