At the conclusion of Round 6 we've expanded our Rookie Rankings to form a top seven thanks to a larger pool of talent and a better understanding of this year's class of debutants.
Our Rookie Rankings will again expand to eight players at the conclusion of the bye rounds.
This week's rankings see a Demons match-winner land at seventh overall, while there's some movement ahead of him. Our incumbent No.1 has seen his gap on the rest of the 2023 rookies shorted due to a tough Round 6 outing against the Suns.
This week's honourable mentions see a young Gold Coast forward earn some plaudits for his impact as the tactical sub, while a Hawk is quickly on the rise after just two games in the league.
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 6 Honourable Mentions
Bailey Humphrey (Gold Coast)
Ollie Lord (Port Adelaide)
Seamus Mitchell (Hawthorn)
SEE: Rookie Rankings after Round 5
7. Jacob van Rooyen (NEW)
Had it not been for a contested grab late into Monday's game, van Rooyen wouldn't be landing in seventh spot in our Rookie Rankings, or on them at all.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin was set to sub his young forward out of the match before he flew for a big mark, with the Claremont product going on to have a significant impact in the Anzac Day Eve match.
van Rooyen would boot three goals in the final quarter to steer his side to a comeback win over Richmond, proving Goodwin's hesitancy to sub out the youngster to be critical in the match.
The performance added to an impressive debut season so far for the tall forward, who has booted six goals in his three prior appearances.
Forward
Goals
Marks
Goal Assists
van Rooyen will likely keep the likes of Ben Brown and Tom McDonald at bay come selection for when the Demons take on North Melbourne in round 7.
