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
1. Harry Sheezel (-)
Another 31 possessions for the Roos flanker in what was a difficult afternoon for North Melbourne against the Lions at Mt Barker.
Despite the disappointing second half, the Kangaroos again looked toward Sheezel as a positive, with the teenager shaking a hand injury to play out the match and be among his side's best performers.
Showed onlookers he still has a sharp eye for goal despite starting his career at AFL level in defence, with Sheezel waltzing into the attacking third thanks to a 50-metre penalty and drilling a long-range goal on the run. All class to boot his first major in the top flight.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Goals
While Sheezel might not have come away from Saturday's game with bragging rights over ex-teammate Will Ashcroft, the young gun's performance keeps him ahead of the Lions ball-winner in our rankings.
Sheezel and the Roos now turn their attention toward a Round 6 clash with the Suns.
