NAB AFL Rising Star Award

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 1 - Chris Yarran

19 year old Chris Yarran from Carlton earned his Round One NAB AFL Rising Star nomination with an impressive display in Carlton’s 56-point win over Richmond in their season-opening match at the MCG.

In addition to his 11 possessions the medium-sized forward had six tackles, an indication of the defensive pressure he applied in an all-round performance.

Yarran was selected by Carlton with their first round selection at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft (selections six overall) and played six matches in 2009 after making his debut against Fremantle at Carrara in Round Seven. In just seven AFL matches, he has shown the evasive skills and ability that made him a champion junior footballer in Western Australia.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten said Chris looked at home in the Blues’ forward line.

“Chris was fantastic on Thursday night, he worked extremely hard, particularly when he didn’t have the ball and his defensive pressure was important. He has worked really hard over the off season and has a real appreciation of what is required to succeed at this level, particularly on the defensive side of his game.

“Chris’ big challenge now is to back it up, we have the confidence that he will do that and grow into an important part of our senior side.”

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 2 – Dan Hannebery

19-year-old Dan Hannebery from the Sydney Swans was named the Round Two NAB AFL Rising Star nominee after racking up an impressive 23 possessions in the Swans’43-point win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Originally from the Kew Rovers Junior Football Club in Melbourne, Hannebery was selected by Sydney with their second round selection at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft (selection 30 overall). Hannebery played the final seven matches of 2009 for the Swans whilst still attending school in Melbourne.

Swans coach Paul Roos said Hannebery has stepped up over the preseason.

“Dan has worked extremely hard since Christmas to get himself super fit. He played very well in the seconds over the last couple of weeks and then showed on Sunday against Adelaide that he has improved on last year.

“He had a real impact on the game. He has areas of his game he wants to continue to work on and there is still a lot of improvement in his game but we’re really pleased with the way he’s going.

“His nomination shows the direction the Club is heading. We’ve got some good young kids and hopefully they’ll put pressure on the senior players throughout the year,’’ Roos said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 3 – Ryan Bastinac

18 year old Ryan Bastinac from the Kangaroos was named the Round Three NAB AFL Rising Star nominee with an inspiring performance in their 25 point win over West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

In addition to his 24 possessions, Bastinac was instrumental in limiting the influence of key West Coast playmaker, Daniel Kerr.

Hailing from the Narre Warren Football Club, Bastinac was North Melbourne’s second round selection at the 2009 NAB AFL Draft (selection 21 overall) and was a standout at the 2009 NAB AFL draft camp. His beep test result of 15.1 ranks him in the top five for current AFL players to have tested at the camp.

North Melbourne coach, Brad Scott said Bastinac’s hard work over the pre-season has paid off.

“Ryan had an outstanding pre-season and he has carried that form through the opening rounds. We have been really impressed with his rapid development and all North Melbourne supporters should be encouraged by his talent, work ethic and ability.”

“We expect big things from Ryan in the future and his performance on Saturday against Daniel Kerr was just one small example of what he’s capable of,” Scott said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 4 – Nic Naitanui

19 year old Nic Naitanui from West Coast was named the Round Four NAB AFL Rising Star nominee after a captivating performance during the team’s first victory of the season against the Bombers at Subiaco.

In addition to his 13 possessions, Naitanui demonstrated his extraordinary athleticism that has thrilled crowds in the West since making his AFL debut.

Naitanui’s ability to clear the ball from ruck stoppages was a highlight with a game high equalling seven clearances.

Originally from Midvale Junior Football Club, Naitanui was West Coast’s first round selection at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft (selection two overall) and an outstanding junior career saw him earn dual All-Australian selection at the NAB AFL Under 18 championships.

Eagle’s coach, John Worsfold says Naitanui is still learning but has a great appetite for the game.

“Nic is a very exciting developing player and is certainly capturing the imagination of the public.”

“We knew when we drafted Nic that he had some special qualities and we are already seeing some of those qualities on display,” Worsfold said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 5 - Jack Trengove

18 year old Jack Trengove from the Melbourne Demons was named the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for Round Five after a stunning performance in the team’s third successive victory, upsetting the previously undefeated Brisbane Lions.

As one of the best on ground, Trengove gathered a career-high 24 possessions, laying four tackles and kicking two goals in the Demons 50 point victory.

Originally from Kybybolite Football Club in South Australia, Trengove was selected by Melbourne with pick two in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft after a standout year where he was named All Australian at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and South Australia’s Most Valuable Player.

Since making his debut in Round One, Trengove has impressed Melbourne’s coaching staff with his exceptional work ethic and ability to win the contested ball. A future star in the making, Trengove is sure to be among the votes when the 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star is awarded in September.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 6 – Todd Banfield

19 year old Todd Banfield from the Brisbane Lions was named the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for Round Six after an emphatic display against the Sydney Swans.

Banfield was amongst the Lions’ best players, gathering 15 disposals, four marks, five tackles and three goals.

Originally from the Upper Swan Junior Football Club and then Swan Districts in the WAFL, Banfield was selected by the Brisbane Lions with pick 41 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft and had an exceptional debut season with the Lions Reserves in the QAFL.

Debuting in Round One this season, Banfield has already made a significant contribution to the team, booting nine goals in his first six matches, and is fast developing a reputation as a courageous footballer with his willingness to win the ball in contested situations.

Banfield’s on field ability, especially in the forward line, isn’t lost on Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss. “The pressure he has been able to provide inside our forward 50 has been enormous. Todd has been very valuable for us.”

Banfield is the third player form Swan Districts to receive a NAB AFL Rising Star Nomination this year following Chris Yarran (Round One) and Nic Naitanui (Round Four).

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 7 – Tom Scully

Melbourne young gun Tom Scully was named the Round Seven NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee after an outstanding performance against the Western Bulldogs.

Scully had an exceptional match in wet conditions, amassing a career-high 39 possessions including 18 in the last quarter along, seven clearances, five tackles and one goal.

Selected with the number one pick in the 2009 NAB AFL draft, the former Vic Metro captain debuted in Round One this season and has been a consistent member of the up and coming Melbourne side, averaging 21 possessions per game.

The two-time All Australian’s performance was lauded by Melbourne Coach Dean Bailey, who praised his strong work ethic.

“His effort on Friday night in difficult conditions is a testament to his skill level. All Melbourne fans can look forward to his further development in the years to come.”

Originally from the Narre Warren Junior Football Club, Scully played for the Dandenong Stingrays and Haileybury College and is the second Demon to be nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star award this year following Jack Trengove’s nomination in Round Five.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round eight – Jake Melksham

Essendon young gun Jake Melksham was named the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for Round Eight after a stunning performance against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

Melksham was outstanding in the midfield and finished the day with 14 possessions, three clearances, three tackles and a goal.

Debuting in Round Three this year, 18 year old Melksham has become an influential member of the Essendon team, averaging 16 touches each game.

Originally from Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, Melksham was recruited from the Oak Park Junior Football Club. He was Essendon’s first selection in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft after a best-on-ground performance for Calder in the TAC Cup Grand Final.

Essendon Coach Matthew Knights said he has been impressed with Melksham’s attitude and consistency.

“He has demonstrated a capacity to play in front of big crowds and still maintain his composure under pressure which is a great sign for any young footballer.”

An AIS-AFL graduate who represented VIC Metro at the 2009 AFL Under-18 Championships, Melksham will be a vital cog in the Essendon line up in seasons to come.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round Nine – Nathan Fyfe

Fremantle youngster Nathan Fyfe, earned his Round Nine NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after an outstanding performance against the Sydney Swans at the SCG.

The tall mid-fielder made his AFL debut in Round Five and has played five matches for the much improved Fremantle side this season. His ability to read the game well and push forward to kick goals has impressed the Dockers coaching staff.

Fremantle Senior Coach, Mark Harvey, said Fyfe played an important role in the side’s win over Sydney and deserved his nomination.

“He played consistently well during the course of the game and managed to be involved in the game a hell of a lot.” Harvey said.

Harvey said he was pleased with how Fyfe had adapted to playing football at an AFL level in his first five games.

“Some young players can pick up playing at an AFL level quite quickly and Nathan is one of them,” he said.

Fyfe played for Claremont’s Colts side last season and represented WA at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, kicking four goals against Vic Metro in his best performance.

His spring and endurance was in the top 15 per cent at the NAB AFL Draft Camp and he was Fremantle’s second selection (selection 20 overall) in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 10 – Dustin Martin

18 year-old Dustin Martin from the Tigers was named the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for Round Ten after an exceptional performance in Richmond’s win over Port Adelaide.

Martin earned his nomination after gathering 21 possessions, 11 clearances and four tackles in a stunning display in poor conditions. His 11 clearances were the most of any player in the league for the round.

Debuting in Round One this season, Martin has played nine matches, with an average of 20 possessions per game. He is quickly becoming an influential member of the Tigers midfield with his clearance work and ability to win the contested ball.

Richmond Coach Damien Hardwick had nothing but praise for the youngster.

“His attack on the ball and his skills on both sides of his body were some of the reasons we wanted him at Richmond, and he has done everything we’ve asked of him,” Hardwick said.

In 2009 Martin played for both Castlemaine and the Bendigo Pioneers. Representing Vic Country at the 2009 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, he was selected by the Tigers with their first draft pick (number three overall) in the NAB AFL Draft.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 11 – Jordan Gysberts

Melbourne midfielder Jordan Gysberts was named the Round Eleven NAB AFL Rising Star nominee after an exciting display against Carlton at the MCG.

In only his second match, 18 year old Gysberts was among the Demons’ best players, picking up 27 possessions and having 4 clearances.

Drafted to the Demons with pick 11 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, Gysberts was groomed for the AFL at Yarra Valley Grammar, while he also played for and was part of the leadership group at Eastern Ranges in 2009. Gysberts also represented Vic Metro in the 2009 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and was one of their key ball winners.

Gysberts ability to motivate his team mates and set up scoring opportunities was not lost on Demons Coach, Dean Bailey.

“It’s a great effort for Jordie to make an immediate impact at AFL level. It’s a real credit to his work ethic and football knowledge,” Bailey said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 12 – Ben Reid

Young Magpies defender Ben Reid was one of Collingwood's best in its thrilling draw with Melbourne at the MCG, producing 22 disposals in a performance that saw him selected as the Round Twelve NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

Reid’s 17th career-game was arguably his best performance at AFL level and he looks certain to cement his place in a Collingwood team destined for some serious September action.

Reid was the Pies’ first pick and number 8 overall in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft and played three promising matches as a key forward in the 2007 season. Hampered by a foot injury the following season, Reid made the transition to the backline and was a key defender in 20 VFL matches in the 2009 season, proving his determination to return to the senior side. This determination and patience paid off and Reid is now an important part of the Magpies line up in 2010, averaging 14 possessions a match.

Recruited from the Murray Under-18s, Reid’s patience and resolve has not been lost on Coach Mick Malthouse.

“Ben works very hard to improve his game, and seeks advice from other players. I think it’s a testament to his patience, ability and desire to get better. It’s a fantastic result.”

Continuing to develop as a key defender, Reid is fast becoming a vital member of the Collingwood backline.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 13 – Tom Rockliff

After a thrilling performance against the Tigers at the Gabba, Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff was named the Round Thirteen nominee for the NAB AFL Rising Star Award.

In his tenth game, Rockliff gathered 26 touches, 2 tackles and a goal and was amongst his team’s best players.

Averaging 27 disposals a game, Rockliff is an inspired midfielder/forward with a knack for finding the ball and has quickly become a vital member of the Brisbane side.

Brisbane Coach Michael Voss can’t speak highly enough of the youngster from Benalla.

“Tom has been really good. I categorically believe that he is one for the smartest footballers we’ve got,” Voss said.

Recruited from Benalla, Rockliff was a key member of the Murray Bushrangers team in the 2008 TAC Cup. Leading the goal kicking with 59 goals, Rockliff won the club’s Best and Fairest and was an integral member of the Bushrangers’ premiership winning team.

After surprisingly being overlooked in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, Rockliff was picked up by Brisbane with their first selection in the 2008 Pre-Season Draft, quickly becoming an instrumental member of the Lions’ reserves team which led to his debut in Round Eighteen 2009, against Collingwood.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Rd 14- Ben Stratton

Young Hawks recruit Ben Stratton has been named the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for Round 14 after an outstanding 19 possession performance in his team’s narrow defeat to the Western Bulldogs.

The 21 year-old made a big splash in the media when he dived into the icy waters of the Brighton baths- a dare from skipper Sam Mitchell, but it’s the impact he’s had on the field since his Round 3 debut that has everyone at Waverley Park talking.

Stratton’s stand-out performance at the MCG forms part of a terrific first season that has seen him hold his own against some of the leagues most dangerous forwards.

“For a player who has only played 12 games of AFL football, his maturity and reliability have been outstanding,” said coach Alastair Clarkson.

Hailing from Dunsborough in Western Australia, the versatile defender was Hawthorn’s second selection in the 2009 NAB AFL draft, taken with pick 46. Having spent 3 years playing for East Perth in the WAFL, he has made a smooth transition to the AFL. 

Clarkson said that he had been pleased with Stratton’s contribution to the club.

“This nomination is a great recognition of his hard work, attitude and willingness to learn,” he said.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 15 – Jack Redden

Brisbane Lions midfielder Jack Redden is the Round fifteen NAB AFL Rising Star nominee after an exciting display against St Kilda saw him finish with 22 disposals for the match.

After debuting in Round fifteen last year, Redden has cemented his position in the team after playing every game since, and his 88 tackles so far this season ranks him number one at the Lions and eighth overall in the AFL.

Redden was taken with the Lions’ second pick (25th overall) in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, when he was recruited from the Keith Junior Football Club in South Australia and the Glenelg Under-19s in the SANFL.

Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has been impressed by the exciting and refreshing youngster, and has been pleased with his ongoing development.

“You can never question Jack’s effort and that is a credit to him. His work rate and tackling intensity has been phenomenal and he has proven that he can match it against really good opposition.”

Redden is the third Brisbane Lion to be nominated this season, following Todd Banfield (Round six) and Tom Rockliff (Round thirteen). He is also the second player this season to be nominated from the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League, following on from Demon Jack Trengove’s nomination in Round five this year.

NAB AFL Rising Star: Round 16 – Phil Davis

Phil Davis from the Adelaide Crows is the NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee for Round sixteen after playing an integral role in his team’s spectacular win over Geelong.

Davis was outstanding for the Crows in what was only his 12th match, gathering 14 possessions and two tackles, and keeping Geelong forward and three-time premiership player Cameron Mooney to just nine touches for the match.

Adelaide Crows coach Neil Craig had nothing but praise for Davis.

“Phil is very coachable, likes to listen and learn and has worked hard to improve areas of his game,” Craig said.

After putting on an exceptional display during the 2008 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, David was picked up by the Crows as a key forward with their first selection (pick number 10 overall) in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.

Gaining an excellent education in defence at North Adelaide, in 2009 Davis was able to hone his skills in the SANFL and was named emergency for the Crows eight times during the season, showing improvement every week.

Having seemingly secured his place in the Crows’ senior side, Davis’ next plan is to move into a more key-position role in the team’s defensive line-up.

“I feel as though I can hopefully put on another five or six kilos, fill out a bit more and hopefully keep my agility if I can and keep that flexibility where I can play on the smaller opponents as well as the taller opponents,” Davis said.