This week's Rookie Rankings has seen one shift among the top six, while a pair of first-year Roos were handed honourable mentions for their performances on Sunday.
Two Bombers hold a spot in our rankings, while a young Saints has ascended his place to land fifth spot.
A young Magpies has backed up his strong run of form, but is facing healthy competition from the man he stole the No.1 spot from.
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 like Jai Newcombe, Jake Bowey, Corey Durdin and Sam De Koning are ineligible.
VIEW: POST-BYE ROUNDS RANKINGS
Paul Curtis (North Melbourne)
11 disposals, 4 tackles, seven contested possessions, one goal
Was among the few shining lights for the Roos in their defeat, stepping up as a forward target for his side and offering plenty of pressure inside 50.
Connor MacDonald (Hawthorn)
19 disposals, four marks, six score involvements, seven contested possessions
Arguably his best game for the Hawks, albeit in a loss. Was among several avenues to goal and played his role in midfield.
Jackson Archer (North Melbourne)
15 disposals, eight contested disposals, six intercepts
The son-of-a-gun impressed on debut against the Crows, playing across David Noble's defence and offering a rock-solid service in his maiden match.
After a fiery past few weeks, Hobbs was limited in his impact on Friday night and unfortunately faces a drop in our rankings.
The Horsham native collected one kick and 11 handballs in a damning night for the Bombers, who handed the Eagles their second win of the season.
Spent more time as a forward compared to recent weeks and battled with the position, something we saw in Hobbs' opening few fixtures.
Midfield
Disposals
Marks
Essendon face a tough encounter against the Swans this week, with the corresponding match from earlier in the year a low point for Ben Rutten's side.
Despite the disastrous outcome on Saturday night for St Kilda, Wanganeen-Milera recorded a career-high 22 touches in holding down a spot on Brett Ratten's wing.
The teenager used the ball at an uncharacteristic 59 per cent disposal efficiency as the Swans mounted pressure on the Saints' ball movement all game.
Wanganeen-Milera's 22 touches resulted in 427 metres gained, while he also recorded four inside 50s, three score involvements and five intercepts.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
The Saints will be tasked to do battle with the Blues on Friday night in their hopes of returning to the winner's list, with Wanganeen-Milera to hold a key role within the club's midfield ensemble.
The weekend saw Horne-Francis miss his first of two games due to suspension, with a return scheduled for Round 17 against the Magpies.
The South Australian will remain sidelined for this weekend's bout with Geelong, and holds his place after Round 15 after having enough runs on the board and no real challenger from below.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Should Hobbs, Wanganeen-Milera or another put in a strong stint this weekend, Horne-Francis' spot will be no guarantee.
A quiet evening for Gibcus over the weekend, with the key backman recording just the three disposals in the thrilling loss to the Cats.
That's not to say he had little impact despite the season-low tally of touches, with the 19-year-old recording four spoils - the second-most in the match.
It wasn't a performance that has closed the gap between him and the pair above him, with the GWV Rebels product now looking to bounce back this weekend.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
The Tigers will tussle with the Eagles on Sunday, a matchup Gobcus thrive against earlier this year.
Continues to amaze in his first few months in the AFL, and despite his stellar efforts, Martin is unable to take back the lead.
The Bombers' wingman recorded 20 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency against the Eagles, along with six marks, three clearances, two goals and nine score involvements.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Goals
The performance has Martin breathing down the neck of pole position and another strong outing this weekend against Sydney could see him take back top spot, but our leader is giving no indication of falling from the summit anytime soon.
Magpie Nick Diacos had 25 disposals against the Giants on Sunday and somehow saw his average for the season decrease. That's the standard of ball-winning we've come to expect of the fourth overall pick from last year's National Draft.
Collingwood's prized rookie moved the ball at 80 per cent efficiency and was part of six avenues to score, while also reciting four intercepts in the win over GWS.
Daicos' past month of form has him firmly placed in the top spot of our Rookie Rankings and he will be looking to this weekend's clash with Gold Coast to extend his run at No.1.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Rebound50s
While Martin is still pressing in second spot, it will take some doing to see a lead change this time next week.