Opinion
Round two only saw four debutants (Jaxon Prior for Brisbane, Francis Evans for Geelong, Nick Murray for the Crows and Heath Chapman for Fremantle) and it was the second gamers that impressed the most.
Only two of last week’s top five have retained their spot in this week’s rankings, as three new players make their claim for best first-year player.
From now on there will be a rookie ranking system, where each week the top performer will get five votes, second four votes and so on.
Please note this is not like the AFL rising star award, only players that made their debut in 2021 will be eligible.
1. Braeden Campbell (Sydney)
Where have Sydney found these kids? Pick number five in last year’s draft, Braeden Campbell showed his attacking flair off the half back. With 708m metres gained (most on ground), 21 kicks (most again) and eight rebound 50s (equal second highest), it’s hard to believe that was just his second game.
The Sydney youngster also took six marks and was effective with the ball, his 25 disposals going at 80 per cent efficiency.
2. Errol Gulden (Sydney)
This kid is going to be a star! Errol Gulden backed up his massive first game with a second that was just as good. Coming off his 19 disposals last week, the young Swan got 22 possessions, nine of them contested.
His attacking game style helped Sydney get their second win, Gulden kicking a goal, assisting two and finishing the day with a huge 11 score involvements.
3. James Jordon (Melbourne)
Another great game from Melbourne’s James Jordon has earnt him his second stint in the top five. This time, with 20 disposals, six marks and five score involvements, Jordon has warranted himself a podium finish for Round 2.
Continuing on with his pressure game last week, Jordon’s greatest asset on the weekend was his tackling pressure, laying nine tackles, four of them inside their attacking 50.
4. Tom Powell (North Melbourne)
North Melbourne’s exciting first round pick, Tom Powell gave Kangaroo fans some hope for the future despite their horrible start to the season.
Collecting 16 touches of the footy, Powell went at 87 per cent efficiency, despite over half (nine) of his possessions being contested. Three clearances and a great snapping goal completed a solid outing for the second gamer.
5. Tyler Brockman (Hawthorn)
Hawks fan should be optimistic about the future if Tyler Brockman is anywhere near it. Brockman poses a danger whenever he’s near the ball, adding another two goals to his tally to go with a goal assist.
His aerial ability is impressive, the young Hawk taking four marks inside 50 to go with another five around the ground. Displaying a similar build and playing the same position, could he be the next Cyril?
Warming the bench
Miles Bergman was the unlucky player to miss out. The Port Adelaide defender was huge down back taking three intercept marks to go with his seven intercepts.
Sam Berry was a pressure king for the Crows, laying 10 tackles and finishing the day with 31 pressure acts. Unfortunately, his accuracy let him down, kicking 0.4.
Other players in the mix were Charlie Lazzaro (North Melbourne) with 17 touches, Francis Evans (kicking two goals on debut for Geelong) and Logan McDonald kicking another two majors for the Swans.
Rookie rankings leaderboard
Errol Gulden (9 votes)
Braeden Campbell (5 votes)
James Jordon (4 vote)
Matt Flynn (4 votes)
James Rowe (3 votes)
Tom Powell (2 votes)
Logan McDonald (2 votes)
Tyler Brockman (1 vote)
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