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.
This year's crop has seen a young Roo shoot out to an early lead, with five of the six ranked players following Round 1 selected in the first round of last year's draft, with the other being a Rookie Draft selection from 2021.
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 like Sam Darcy, Finn Callaghan and Jye Amiss are ineligible, having already played an AFL match prior to Round 1.
Round 1 honourable mentions:
Lachlan Cowan (Carlton)
Max Michalanney (Adelaide)
Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)
Bodhi Uwland (Gold Coast)
3. Cameron Mackenzie
Cool, calm and collected in midfield for Sam Mitchell, with Mackenzie ending his debut with 18 possessions (13 kicks, five handballs0 and no clangers to his name.
Working in tandem with Jai Newcombe, James Worpel and Josh Ward, Mackenzie completed his more senior onballers to offer some balance in the engine room.
While the result didn't work in favour of the teenager in his first appearance at AFL level, Mackenzie will take plenty out of the contest as he continues to cut his teeth in the brown and gold.
The Hawks will make the trip to the SCG on Sunday for what will be another test for Mackenzie and Mitchell.
