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Zero Hanger Rookie of the Year votes: Round 9

Some of the regular names, plus a first-time Cat…

Published by
Sam Martin

5 Votes: Bailey Smith

The choice for all five votes certainly wasn't a tough one this week, with Bailey Smith putting in one of the best rookie performances to date in 2019.

Smith featured regularly for the Bulldogs in their 44-point loss to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, showing once again that he's no stranger when it comes to getting his hands on the football.

The 18-year-old accumulated 28 disposals on Saturday, producing eight score involvements and operating at an excellent 89% disposal efficiency.

In what has been an inconsistent season so far from the Bulldogs, Smith has been a consistent producer.

4 Votes: Connor Rozee

Connor Rozee has barely put a foot wrong in his rookie season in the AFL industry, and last weekend's win against the Suns was no exception.

Rozee produced a gritty display in wet conditions at Adelaide Oval, as the Power were too good for the Gold Coast in Sunday's match.

The 19-year-old picked up 20 possessions for his troubles (12 contested), kicked two goals and reminded the competition of the class that the young gun is capable of.

With Rozee continuing to impress, it's sure to be a close race in the Rising Star award.

3 Votes: Sydney Stack

Sydney Stack features once again, after a composed and impressive display which helped the Tigers knock off the Hawks on Sunday afternoon.

Stack's cult hero status just continues to grow at Punt Road, and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. The exciting 19-year-old recorded 17 touches (at 88% efficiency) and seven marks as the youngster continues to justify Richmond's decision to recruit him as a supplemental selection.

Witnessing Stack in the Dreamtime game in front of a packed MCG is sure to be exciting.

2 Votes: Darcy Fort

One of the feel-good stories of the week would have to be Darcy Fort, earning the two votes after an impressive display on debut for the Cats.

Picked up by Geelong as a mature-age recruit at the end of 2018, Fort's story up until now has been one of persistence and hard work.

It was all paid back in spades for the 25-year-old, as Fort justified his position in the side with a strong first-up performance.

Fort made himself a constant target up forward, taking strong marks and managing to snare three goals on debut.

A well-deserved couple of votes for the big man from South Barwon.

1 Vote: Sam Walsh

It was a particularly blue afternoon for Carlton last Sunday, but young gun Sam Walsh continues to produce a glimmer of hope for Carlton fans all around.

In what was simply a dismantling and dominating display from the Giants against a Carlton outfit desperate for their second win, Walsh and his efforts were at least able to be a consolation of sorts for the Blues.

The 18-year-old managed to pick up 18 disposals, taking six marks and producing three tackles in what was undoubtedly a bleak afternoon for the Navy Blue.

If Carlton were to find any upside at the moment, Walsh is certainly it.

Season Leaderboard:

19 – Sam Walsh (CARL)

14 – Gryan Miers (GEEL)

13 – Connor Rozee (PORT)

11 – Sydney Stack (RICH)

10 – Charlie Constable (GEEL)

9 – Bailey Smith (WBD)

8 – Jack Ross (RICH)

7 – Marty Hore (MELB)

6 – Jay Lockhart (MELB)

5 – Michael Gibbons (CARL)

5 – Xavier Duursma (PORT)

4 – Bailey Scott (NM)

4 – Jackson Hately (GWS)

4 – Zak Butters (PORT)

4 – Callum Wilkie (StK)

2 - Darcy Fort (GEEL)

2 – Nick Blakey (SYD)

2 – Lachlan Schultz (FREM)

2 – William Drew (PORT)

1 – Matthew Parker (StK)

1 – Josh Rotham (WC)

1 – Tom Atkins (GEEL)

1 – Will Hayes (WBD)

Published by
Sam Martin