Roos gun takes early lead: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 1

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)

Ollie Hollands

Not many get to make their debuts in front of nearly 90,000, and Ollie Hollands looked at ease during his first game as a Blue.

A highlight for Hollands was his 1 vs 2 effort against a pair of Tigers in defensive 50, with the first-round pick able to take possession and create a contest further up the field.

Hollands was also among the leading players for ground coverage, flexing his aerobic ability that was often on show during his time with the Murray Bushrangers last year.

With Sam Walsh still some time away from returning, expect Hollands to hold his place in Michael Voss' side for the weeks ahead, with his next contest coming against reigning premiers Geelong.

Teammate Lachie Cowan was also strongly considered for the No.6 spot in our rankings, but Hollands gets the nod after Round 1.

Mattaes Phillipou

A spark in St Kilda's upset win over Fremantle on Sunday.

The South Australian was an exciting presence in attack for Ross Lyon, who entered Round 1 with an undermanned forward line, relying on his younger ranks to pull some of the weight.

Rotating through attack, Phillipou popped up to boot his first goal in the second term and would end the evening with 16 possessions.

Likely to hold his spot come selection, Phillipou will be hoping he can impress once again when he lines up against his dad's old side in the Bulldogs.

Reuben Ginbey

While Saturday afternoon's performance will be one to forget for the Eagles, top draft selection Reuben Ginbey can keep his head up high after giving a four-quarter effort.

The Dunsborough native recorded 12 tackles in his first game, the second highest tally for a debutant in V/AFL history since the stat has been recorded, with Hawthorn's Jai Newcombe holding the record with 14 from his first appearance in 2021.

Ginbey also amassed 15 disposals, four marks and collected seven contested possessions to be one of the few shining lights in West Coast's season opener.

The Eagles return to WA for Round 2, posting the Giants at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

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.

Judd McVee

Really impressive in his opening outing in the red and blue, giving plenty of run at half-back while also being accountable for his direct opponent.

Has gained plenty of plaudits in the lead up to Melbourne's season opener, finding himself ahead of premiership defender Michael Hibberd come selection.

McVee's Round 1 showing not only left coach Simon Goodwin pleased with the performance, but could see the teenager retain his spot for the trip to Queensland this week despite Christian Salem's potential return.

McVee is the only player to make our Rookie Rankngs for Round 1 that wasn't drafted in 2022, having waited in the wings last season after being selected through the Rookie Draft the year prior.

Harry Sheezel

What a statement by the Roos' young gun in his first game, collecting 34 disposals against the Eagles - the most in a game since 1991.

Despite being drafted to Arden Street as a small forward, Sheezel was trialled at half-back in Round 1 and slotted into the role with ease, offering plenty of precision in his ball use in the defensive 50.

The Ajax product will likely join young Swan Errol Gulden in collecting Brownlow votes in his first game, with Sheezel also adding nine marks and 631 metres gained to his maiden stat line.

Can book the young Roo in for the Round 1 Rising Star nomination, with his chances for the overall honour at season's end well within reaching distance if Sheezel can continue to piece together performances like Saturday.

Sheezel and the Roos face a tougher challenge in Round 2, making the trip west to face Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Saturday.