The results of Gather Round have led to a number of changes among our 2023 AFL Rookie Rankings, with four players shifting in their spots as the top two hold onto a convincing lead at the summit.
The consistent form of a Crows backman and St Kilda livewire has seen them jump into third and fourth spot respectively, while a new Hawk was the sole honourable mention from the weekend.
Our Rookie Rankings will expand to seven players from Round 6, opening up a chance for a new face to land in our order new week.
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 5 honourable mentions:
Seamus Mitchell (Hawthorn)
SEE: Rookie Rankings after Round 4
4. Mattaes Phillipou (+1)
The Saints livewire notched up a season-high 19 possessions in Sunday's narrow defeat to Collingwood, with that match seeing Phillipou boot his sixth goal for the year to have only missed out on a major in one game.
Phillipou also ended the night with a goal assist to tally four score involvements against the Pies, again playing as one of St Kilda's tallest forwards and holding a key role for Ross Lyon in just his fifth appearance.
The South Australian now finds himself fourth overall in our Rookie Rankings and continues to build a solid debut campaign in the red, white and black.
Forward
Goals
Marks
Goal Assists
The Saints face another tough test this week when they head to Marvel Stadium to go head-to-head with Carlton.
