Second Eagle breaks through, Hawk returns as two fall out: AFL Rookie Rankings – Round 20

Our Rookie Rankings after Round 20 have seen two young guns of the competition land spots among our top eight, while a Demon has moved up one more rung with a month left in the home and away season.

A young Hawks defender replaced a teammate in making his return to our rankings for the first time in two months, while a second Eagle has jumped into eighth place - making his first appearance for the year and replacing Brisbane's Jaspa Fletcher.

Blues wingman Oliver Hollands has earned another honourable mention since making his return from injury and will be rivalled by Tigers defender Tylar Young for the next spot in our top eight, with the latter putting together a strong last month.

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 20 Honourable Mentions:
Oliver Hollands
Luke Nankervis
Anthony Caminiti
Tylar Young

Elijah Hewett (NEW)

Has been the rookie to earn the most honourable mentions this year without finding a place in our rankings so far, but a consistent run and role for the Eagles have Hewett at eighth.

The flashy midfielder had one of his best performances on Sunday in the win over North Melbourne, recording 21 disposals, six contested touches, three clearances and a goal from just 68% time on ground.

A late knock sidelined the teenager as he finished the game on the interchange, but his role in the much-needed win was certainly present.

The Eagles will be hoping one brings two this weekend when they travel to Marvel Stadium to face Essendon on Saturday.

Josh Weddle (NEW)

Last made an appearance in our rankings in Round 12 and has recently built back into some form across the past few weeks to add to his promising first year in Sam Mitchell's defence.

Takes the spot of teammate Seamus Mitchell who has battled over recent weeks, with Sunday's outing against St Kilda no easier after being subbed out in the first half for tactical reasons.

Weddle managed 17 disposals and six marks in the loss against the Saints and will now turn his attention to a tough battle with ladder leaders Collingwood on Saturday.

Reuben Ginbey (-1)

Falls back a spot but would be unlikely to go back any further across the last month despite his season already being drawn to a close due to a hamstring injury.

Ginbey has been among the top all season and is deserving of his place after a strong debut campaign with the Eagles.

Unfortunately missed out on the drought-breaking win against North Melbourne, but didn't go without a victory in his maiden season at least.

Judd McVee (+1)

Struggled early against the Tigers when matched up on the great Dustin Martin, who has looked back to some of his best football in recent weeks.

After then, McVee was able to have an impact on the match, offering run and clean ball use from defensive 50 as well as being accountable for man.

Has continued to build on a consistent season to find himself among the top five in our rankings.

Max Michalanney (-)

Made his return after a week off and kept Darcy Byrne-Jones to 10 disposals and no goals while winning eight of his own from five marks.

With four rounds left in the season, it'll take some turn for Michalanney to fall out of the top four, while the Crows defender could still rise up the order in the coming weeks.

Adelaide will return to their home deck on Saturday when they host the Suns in Round 21.

Bailey Humphrey (-)

After a quiet Round 19 Humphrey was able to have more of an impact on Saturday, playing a role in the Suns' upset win over their state rivals to keep their finals hopes alive.

10 of his 12 possessions were contested, with Humphrey also notching up three clearances and four score involvements for the day.

The Suns head to Adelaide this weekend to face the Crows, with Humphrey potentially going head-to-head with Michalanney.

Harry Sheezel (-)

Has pieced together a strong last month and was once again utilised across all three lines under Ratten in his last game as interim coach, with Sheezel managing a team-high 31 possessions.

Played mostly in defence but was thrown forward when the game was on the line, with the first-year Roo showing off the attacking craft that saw him drafted third overall last year, assisting his side's final goal to keep them in the contest until the death.

Has the chance to move into first place and solidify his spot at No.1 before the end of the season given Will Ashcroft's injury.

Will Ashcroft (-)

His first week out in a long recovery back from an ACL injury. Holds his spot at No.1 after Round 20 but is no guarantee to hold his spot atop the rankings by this time next week.

Sheezel has seemingly returned to his best form in recent weeks and is making a late push to reclaim the top spot.

It's unlikely we'll see Ashcroft fall any lower than second overall.