The AFL Rookie Rankings are back for 2023, where we order the top six in-form debutants of the year each week as the season progresses.
Collingwood's Nick Daicos took out the 2022 Zero Hanger Rookie Rankings thanks to an unmatched debut season, claiming the crown ahead of Bomber Nic Martin and Saint Marcus Windhager.
So far this season, a first-round Roos draftee has staged a brilliant start to his rookie campaign, while a father-son Lion has made his maiden appearance in our rankings.
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. players such as Sam Darcy, Finn Callaghan and Jye Amiss are ineligible, having already played an AFL match prior to Round 1, 2023.
2. Will Ashcroft (NEW)
It took until the second week of the season for Will Ashcroft to flex his inevitable muscle. After a forgettable season-opening outing for his Lions last weekend, Brisbane outworked Melbourne in most facets on its way to a maiden victory, with Ashcroft's innate craft to thank in large part.
Ashcroft's 31 disposals trailed only Melbourne's Clayton Oliver, while his 15 contested possessions matched renowned hard-nut, Josh Dunkley, demonstrating the 18-year-old's ability to earn a hard ball as well as dominate on the outside. The Sandringham Dragons graduate also inflicted nine clearances and five score involvements and has kicked a major in both outings to date.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Despite the son-of-a-gun's absence from our Round 1 Rookie Rankings, it's hard to imagine he'll find himself out of them again from here on out.
