Our Rookie Rankings after the conclusion of Round 14 have once again seen movement among the top seven, with a promising Saint returning to our rankings after a recent exclusion.
The upper echelon of our rankings continues to remain intact, with Will Ashcroft impressing during a Friday night victory, while he was joined by fellow father-son Brisbane midfielder Jaspa Fletcher, who burst onto the scene in his debut with a brilliant goal and has the potential to stage a late-season appearance in our rankings.
Hawthorn defender Seamus Mitchell has fallen out of our rankings, however, the impressive young stopper will be in contention for a return come the conclusion of the bye rounds, as we extend our Rookie Rankings to a top eight.
The aforementioned Fletcher earned an honourable mention for his efforts against the Swans and could be in consideration for his own spot in the coming weeks.
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. Rising Star eligible players such as Sam Darcy, Finn Callaghan and Jye Amiss are ineligible, having already played an AFL match prior to Round 1, 2023.
Round 14 Honourable Mentions:
Jaspa Fletcher (Brisbane Lions)
7. Mattaes Phillipou (+1)
St Kilda's Phillipou was influential during multiple portions of the Saints' defeat to Richmond on Saturday night, notching 18 disposals, 9 contested possessions, and four marks as he did his best to spur his side.
The first-year general forward has showcased his strong overhead marking skills for a young man of slighter stature than most developed defenders and has also displayed his adept kicking skills, both around the ground and in front of the big sticks.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
Phillipou and the Saints will look to get back to winning ways when they host the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
