The Rookie Rankings after Round 18 have seen two more youngsters break into the top six, replacing Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Massimo D'Ambrosio at fifth and sixth.

A young Hawk put in arguably the best performance of the weekend, while his teammate narrowly misses out on a spot in our Rankings, with the pair both earning honourable mentions for their parts in Hawthorn's win over the Eagles.

A young Roo breaks into the top six and jumps into fifth, while out top two further extend their placing at the top.

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.

I.e. players likeย Jai Newcombe,ย Jake Bowey,ย Corey Durdinย andย Sam De Koningย are ineligible.

VIEW: ROUND 17 RANKINGS

Round 18 Honourable Mentions

Josh Ward (Hawthorn)
34 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 6 clearances

A dominant performance for the young Hawk who has worked himself back from a concussion scare.

Josh Carmichael (Collingwood)
24 disposals, 8 tackles, 448 metres gained, 1 goal

Was among the Magpies' best ball winners in the engine room. 24 touches, all kicks.

Noah Cumberland (Richmond)
3 goals, 14 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles

A key part in Richmond's avenue to goal, booting a team-high three majors.

Connor MacDonald (Hawthorn)
13 disposals, 7 tackles, 5 marks, 2 goals

Another strong performance for the first-year Hawk. Narrowly misses a top six spot.

2. Nic Martin (-)

Another 25 touches and 2 goals for Bomber Nic Martin, who finds himself isolated between top spot in or rankings and the rest of the chasing pack.

Surrounded by daylight in 2022, Martin has continued to put together an astounding season in his maiden campaign, a year that would perhaps warrant a Rising Star Award in several past seasons.

While a red-hot Magpie will likely claim the award, Martin will be among the vote-getters at season's end.

His outing against the Suns in Round 18 further solidified his title as one of the bargain buys of the off-season.