NAB AFL Rising Star Award

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 1 - Daniel Rich

Brisbane Lions youngster Daniel Rich was a popular prediction for this year's NAB AFL Rising Star but he says winning the trophy hasn't crossed his mind since moving from Perth at the end of last year.  Rich was one the most highly-rated players in the lead-up to the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.

Rich was a key player in the Lions' come from behind 9-point victory over the West Coast Eagles at the Gabba. Slotting into the Lions' midfield like a veteran to gather 21 disposals and four tackles. Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss said Daniel had exceeded expectations in his AFL debut.

"His work ethic was probably what impressed me most. We certainly think he can add something to our midfield in the future," Voss said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 2 - David Zaharakis

David Zaharakis was Essendon's second selection (No.23 overall) at last year's NAB AFL draft, which was a dream come true for the lifelong Bomber fan. Zaharakis had 21 disposals and 10 marks in his debut match against Fremantle.

"From a whole package point of view we were pleased because not only did he win the ball but his disposal and decision making was really good for a young player. He also chased, tackled and harassed - he put as much energy into this part of his game as any other part." Essendon coach Matthew Knights said.

Zaharakis forced his way into the senior Essendon line-up off the back of an outstanding seven goal performance with Bendigo in the VFL.

"As a match committee we loved that he brings a real energy and enthusiasm to his game and that is infectious on the team." said Knights.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 3 - Patrick Dangerfield

Round 3 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee, Patrick Dangerfield, has come a long way in just six months.  Dangerfield, 19, arrived at West Lakes permanently in November after spending his first year on the Crows' list finishing his Year 12 studies at home in Victoria.

Dangerfield, playing in just his fifth AFL match continued his rapid rise with 20 possessions, five clearances and a goal in a near best-afield performance in the Crows' gutsy win over Fremantle at Subiaco.

"I did some good things, but there are still plenty of things to improve upon. I feel more comfortable as each game goes by and I got more time in the midfield which was good for me." Dangerfield said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 4 - Jaxson Barham

The son of Collingwood legend Ricky Barham, Jaxson Barham, may have always been destined to one day play for Collingwood but he was still surprised when he heard that he was going to make his debut against the Brisbane Lions.

"I was just chilling in the spa with a few of the boys and Mick came up and shook my hand," he said.

Barham's 28 disposals and nine tackles made him the stand out selection as the Round 4 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. Assigned to dangerous Lions onballer, Luke Power, Barham showed a maturity beyond his years in only his first game. "I think most of my nerves were because I was playing on him. He's such a champion and I was pretty nervous to line up against him," Barham said.

"He showed me a lot about being a good midfielder. He took me to a lot of the right spots at the stoppages and that probably got me a few extra possies. I also saw just how hard you have to run."

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 5 - Gary Moss

HAWTHORN'S injury woes have been one of the talking points of the season, but one of the positives to have come from the setbacks has been the opportunity granted to Garry Moss.  Moss had 24 touches and kicked four goals against West Coast to earn the Round 5 NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

His story is one of persistence and determination after he was delisted by the Hawks last year, only to work his way back into the side via the rookie list. "I always believed in myself that I had the ability. I guess you don't really know until you play at the level. Being a late call-up in the Sydney game, there wasn't really much pressure," he said.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said Gary's persistence is paying off.

"This is Gary's third year in the system and after suffering some injuries early in his career he's starting to get some positive results for his hard work. Gary's story is a good lesson to young aspiring footballers that there is more than one pathway to playing AFL," Clarkson said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 6 - Stephen Hill

Stephen Hill of the Fremantle Dockers, announced himself as a star of the future with his 21-possession, two goal effort in the Western Derby. The Round 6 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee said the performance was a result of gaining confidence and encouragement from his coaches to take the game on.

"I've played a few more games now, so it's just a confidence thing," he said from Fremantle Oval. Hill bolted up the 2008 NAB AFL Draft pecking order after an accomplished National carnival performance that earned him All-Australian selection.

The speedy midfielder debuted in Round 1 and has played all six matches this season.  Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said Hill's ability to fit straight into the AFL system was significant.

"To play in a derby and play the way he did plus handle the pressure and the build-up to the game is a real feather in Stephen's cap".

"As each game goes by, he is working out more and more how he can take the game on.  Players who can bring their team mates into the game have a special quality and he's got that," Harvey said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 7 - Jack Ziebell

North Melbourne young gun, Jack Ziebell, was the catalyst in his side’s five point win over Port Adelaide in Round 7, resulting in a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination. Ziebell accumulated 23 disposals, five marks, four tackles and kicked a goal in his standout performance.

Originally from the country, Ziebell grew up playing football in Wodonga, but since his AFL debut in Round 1, has earned himself a regular spot in the Kangaroos’ midfield and positioned himself as a valuable player, averaging 17 possessions per game.

Ziebell’s efforts drew public praise from North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley after the win over Port Adelaide in Round 7.

"The kid's going to be a superstar and I'm not afraid to say that because his work ethic, the way he attacks the football, has been fantastic," Laidley said.

Ziebell graduated from the AIS-AFL Academy in 2007, receiving the Ben Mitchell Medal as voted by his peers.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 8 - Jarryn Geary

Jarryn Geary from the St Kilda Football Club was selected as the Round 8 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee after his impressive performance against the bombers. Geary gathered 19 disposals as the Saints continued their unbeaten start to the 2009 season.

St Kilda selected Geary with pick 58 in the 2007 NAB AFL Rookie Draft after he won the Bendigo Pioneers Best and Fairest award in 2006. He was then elevated to the primary list for the 2008 season after a strong year with Casey in the VFL.

"I thought during the pre-season that I wasn't going to play Round 1. A few things went my way with a few other defenders going down with injury. I was just hoping to get into the team in the first half of the year at some stage so I'm happy to be there,” Geary said.

St Kilda Coach Ross Lyon said “Jarryn is an extremely hard worker and has been a very consistent performer for the club this year. With continued hard work and dedication to all aspects of his game, we hope to see Jarryn’s already promising development continue.”

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 9 - Andy Otten

The old saying “It comes in threes” could not be more true for Adelaide Crows youngster Andy Otten. His performance against Carlton resulted in a comfortable 44 point win for Crows, his first goal at AFL level, and the prestigious Round 9 NAB Rising Star Nomination.

Otten made his AFL debut in Round 12 of last year, playing only two games for the season, but has since secured his place in all nine matches for 2009 and proved a vital link in the backline, averaging 19 disposals and five marks.

Otten was drafted during Adelaide’s second round selection at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft after claiming TAC Cup Team of the year honours and the Oakleigh Chargers best and fairest award

“We have been really pleased with Andy’s progress this year. He came to us as a tall midfielder but he has been playing in the same role Nathan Bassett did for us for a number of years, and he’s been doing it well on a consistent basis,” Adelaide coach Neil Craig said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 10 - Taylor Walker

Described by coach Neil Craig as a ‘natural footballer’, Taylor Walker of the Adelaide Crows topped off a superb Round 10 performance with a NAB Rising Star nomination.

Walker was a pivotal player for the Crows in the Round 10 clash against reigning premiers Hawthorn, kicking five goals in the first half, helping to the Crows to secure a 27 point victory. Currently, Taylor sits second on the clubs goal kicking table with 20 for the season - just two shy of leader Jason Porplyzia. Walker played his junior football for Broken Hill North and played his 2008 season with Norwood in the SANFL, kicking 56 goals.

The 19 year old was a NSW/ACT Scholarship selection at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft. Making his AFL debut in Round 1, Walker has played in all 10 matches this season.

“Taylor has worked extremely hard on areas of his game and he needs to keep doing that. But he’s a beautiful kick and a natural footballer and can be a very important player for the Club. I think our supporters will enjoy watching him and the club’s other younger players develop over the next few seasons,” Adelaide coach Neil Craig said.

Walker is the Adelaide Crows’ third NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for 2009 after Patrick Dangerfield (Round 3) and Andy Otten (Round 9).

Brad Dick – Round 11 NAB Rising Star Nominee

Collingwood’s Brad Dick has been going from strength to strength this year in his return from a full knee reconstruction. Dick booted five goals against Melbourne in front of more than 60,000 people and says he enjoyed every minute of it.

“I don’t mind playing in front of a big crowd. It’s good for the supporters to get along. I’m pretty confident. When I’m up and going I’ve got that mindset of keep going, keep going,” Dick said.

His achievements are even more impressive given he suffered a season ending knee injury during the 2008 pre-season.

“It was really hard with my knee. All my mates were playing football and I wasn’t. I didn’t know if I could keep going mid-way through the season but I stuck to it and all the boys got around me at training and kept me smiling,” he said.

“I had Simon Prestigiacomo in the weights room with me and he kept me going every day. To get knowledge off guys that had injured their knees like Tarkyn Lockyer, Rhyce Shaw and Alan Didak was great.”

The 20-year old has booted nine goals in his past three matches and is averaging 14 disposals, four tackles and two goals across his five games this season.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 12 – Aaron Joseph

Carlton’s Aaron Joseph has been announced as the NAB AFL Rising Star nomine for Round 12 of the 2009 season.

The young rookie put on a fine performance in the clash against St Kilda, gathering 19 disposals and 5 tackles.

During the 2009 NAB Cup, Joseph caught the attention of many due to his outstanding defensive role against Gary Ablett and has since opposed some of the games biggest names in the game including Andrew McLeod, Ben Cousins and Daniel Kerr.

Having played all 12 games of the season so far, Joseph is averaging 11 disposals and three tackles per game.

Carlton selected Joseph with pick two in the 2008 NAB AFL Rookie Draft and he developed his game with the Northern Bullants throughout 2008.

"Aaron's efforts this year are a great football story. Having been on our Rookie list last year and playing all year with the Northern Bullants he worked hard during the pre-season to grab a spot as a nominated rookie and to then consolidate his position in the team and play every game so far is in itself a great effort," said Carlton coach Brett Ratten.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 13 – Tayte Pears

Formerly of East Perth, Tayte Pears, was drafted by Essendon as pick number 23 overall in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft. He made his AFL debut as a late inclusion into Essendon’s side against the Western Bulldogs in Round 4 of the 2008 season. Originally from Manjimup, Pears played grassroots football for Deanmill FC and went on to play for East Perth, winning the 2007 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and receiving All Australian Honours.

The 19 year old defender played an outstanding game on Carlton’s Brendan Fevola in the Round 13 clash against Carlton which saw Tayte gather 21 possessions, including nine kicks and 12 handballs. Pears has played all 13 games of the 2009 season, standing up against some of the games most dangerous forwards including Daniel Bradshaw, Jarryd Roughead, Justin Koschitzke and Matthew Pavlich.

Tayte Pears is Essendon’s second NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee for 2009, following David Zaharakis

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 14 – Jack Grimes

Jack Grimes from the Melbourne Football Club was named the AFL Rising Star nominee for Round 14 after a near best afield performance.  Gathering 29 disposals, a career and match high, Grimes’ 16 marks and five tackles helped secure the 20 point victory over the West Coast Eagles. 

Grimes made his AFL debut in Round 22 of 2008 against Richmond after battling a back injury during the early part of the season.

Grimes’ sensational performance in Round 14 was no surprise to anyone following Melbourne. In eight matches this season, playing across Melbourne’s half-back line, Grimes has averaged 20 disposals and eight marks with an impressive efficiency percentage of 83.

Selected by Melbourne as pick 14 in 2007 NAB AFL Draft, Grimes was recruited from Hurstbridge Football Club and the Northern Knights. He captained the Northern Knights and Vic Metro as a junior and was awarded All Australian Honours for his performance in the 2007 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 15 – Liam Jurrah

Liam Jurrah isn’t your traditional footballing story. The 20 year old from the Warlpiri tribal lands located 300 kilometers north-west of Alice Springs came to the big city not speaking much English but looking to fulfill his dream of playing AFL football.

Jurrah was influential in Melbourne’s 11 point win over Port Adelaide during the Round 15 clash, securing his much celebrated NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

Jurrah’s kicking ability speaks for itself. Making his AFL debut in Round 12, he has kicked at least one goal in all four matches he has played, not to mention the four goals booted against Port Adelaide, bringing his career total to 8 goals thus far.

Playing for the Yuendumu Magies in 2008, Jurrah emerged as a likely AFL prospect and was brought to Melbourne where he played four games with Collingwood’s VFL team. He was recruited by Melbourne with the first selection in the 2007 NAB AFL Preseason Draft. His elevation to the senior team came after his stellar back to back goal kicking performances with the Casey Scorpions in the VFL.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 16 – Chris Masten

The 20 year old midfielder from the West Coast Eagles earned his NAB AFL Rising Star nomination with a standout performance against Port Adelaide in their Round 16 clash, gathering a career high 38 disposals.

Making his AFL debut in Round 2 of the 2008 season, Masten played 9 matches before unfortunately succumbing to osteitis pubis. Back in top form in 2009, Masten has played 15 games averaging 20 possessions per match and ranking in the club’s top 10 for total kicks, handballs, disposals and tackles.

Masten was selected by the Eagles as the third pick in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft after playing junior football at Rossmoyne Junior Football Club and senior football at East Fremantle.  He was also part of the 2005 AIS-AFL Academy intake and captained Western Australia to the 2007 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships title, where he was ultimately awarded with All Australian Honours.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 17 – Dayne Beams

19 year old midfielder, Dayne Beams played an instrumental role in Collingwood’s emphatic 54 point victory over Carlton, earning him the Round 17 NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

Recruited from Southport in Queensland, Beams was Collingwood’s second selection in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft. Since his AFL debut in Round 2, he has averaged 17 possessions in his first 11 games for 2009.

Collingwood coach, Mick Malthouse, said Beams was deserving of the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

 “It’s outstanding. Dayne’s a terrific young kid who thoroughly deserves it,” Malthouse said.

“He’s been able to not only get into the side but stay in and stand up in a team that’s currently in the eight. I think it’s a testament to his durability, and the fact he’s been able to mix it with senior players so early in his career is fantastic. It’s a great result for Dayne and the club.”

Beams is Collingwood’s third rising star nominee this season following Jaxson Barham in Round 4 and Brad Dick in Round 11.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 18 - Callan Ward

Since making his debut as a Year 12 student in 2008, Bulldogs young gun, Callan Ward, has gone from strength to strength. He was a key figure in the Bulldogs 31 point point victory over Fremantle in Round 18 and was rewarded with a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

Ward’s 22 possessions, five marks and two goals against Fremantle was one of his best efforts in what has been a consistent second season of football. The 19 year old has established himself as a regular in a strong Bulldogs line up, playing through the midfield and across half forward, averaging 16 possessions per game.

Bulldogs Senior Coach, Rodney Eade said “we have been extremely pleased with Callan’s development this season. He is now playing a key role in the midfield, and this nomination is a testament to his persistence and work rate.”

Recruited from Spotswood Football Club and the Western Jets, Ward was selected by the Western Bulldogs with pick 19 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, and is their first NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for 2009.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 19 - Mitch Brown

Mitch Brown earned his Round 19 NAB AFL Rising Star nomination with a career best performance that helped the West Coast Eagles upset favoured opponents, the Western Bulldogs, by five points at Etihad Stadium.

Returning from a year on the sidelines due to a knee injury, Brown has played 18 matches this season predominately in the Eagles defence. He also joins twin brother, Collingwood defender Nathan, as a fellow NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold said the club was rapt for Brown, who has worked extremely hard and deserves the recognition.

“After missing all of last year with a serious knee injury, he has missed just one game this season and has been extremely consistent in a variety of roles.

“Historically the year after a knee reconstruction is very tough and Mitch’s ability to overcome those hurdles highlights just how meticulous he has been in his preparation. He has done a terrific job for us playing forward and back as part of his development has been extremely consistent at both ends of the ground,” Worsfold said.

Recruited from the Ballarat Football Club and North Ballarat Under 18’s, Brown was the Eagles first round selection at the 2006 NAB AFL Draft (pick 16 overall), and is the second Eagle to be nominated after Chris Masten in Round 16.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 20 - Michael Hurley

Essendon’s Michael Hurley played a pivotal role in one of the biggest upsets of the season when the Bombers accounted for the previously undefeated St Kilda side.

The versatile and highly talented Hurley began the game in the Essendon forward line, booting a goal, before an injury to Dustin Fletcher forced him into defence.
 
The Round 20 NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee gathered 20 disposals for the match 10 of which were marks, including a crucial last quarter grab on St Kilda superstar, Nick Reiwoldt.

Hurley started the 2009 season in promising fashion with a solid hit out against Port Adelaide, however a quad and then a wrist injury forced him to watch from the sidelines for 13 matches.

From Macleod Football Club and the Northern Knights, Hurley was selected by Essendon with pick five in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft and joins David Zaharakis and Tayte Pears as Essendon’s third NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for 2009.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 21 - Nic Suban

Nic Suban gathered a career high 25 disposals in Fremantle’s impressive 54 point win over Essendon on his way to becoming Fremantle’s second NAB AFL Rising Star nominee in 2009.

Suban has played all 21 games in an impressive debut season with the Dockers, playing in a variety of roles including increased stints in the midfield.

Fremantle senior coach Mark Harvey said the club’s second Rising Star nomination was a boost for the playing group.

“Nic’s nomination is a great compliment for a young man who has played every game in his first season in the AFL.

“He is dedicated, understands where he going, knows his role for the team and knows where he has to improve,” Harvey said.

Harvey also said that in addition to his football skills, Suban had displayed remarkable on-field maturity during his debut season.

“With the way he operates on the field, his ability to encourage and co-ordinate things that a team needs to generate throughout the course of a game, you would think that Nic has played at this level for a long period of time,” Harvey said.

From Bacchus Marsh Football Club and North Ballarat Rebels, Suban was selected by Fremantle with their second round selection at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, and has been touted as future leader at AFL level having captained both Vic Country and the North Ballarat Rebels in 2008.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 22 - Jesse White

Emerging big man from the Swans, Jesse White, was selected as the final NAB AFL Rising Star nominee in 2009 after playing a key role in the Swans’ spirited loss against the Brisbane Lions at the SCG.

His three goals and 10 marks helped spark a third quarter comeback by the Swans, cutting a 39 point deficit to just one point on the way to a narrow loss.

The 21 year old White made his AFL debut in Round 6 of 2008 and has since been tried in a variety of roles. However, after a strong showing in the reserves this year which saw him bag 19 goals in two weeks, White has since played a starring role in the Swans forward line with 20 goals to date.

Recruited from the Southport Sharks on the Gold Coast, the former talented junior basketballer was recruited by the Sydney Swans with their fifth round selection at the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.