Glen AtwellTop 10 AFL Rising Stars of 2006...
September 5th 2006 01:47
Welcome back to Sport Talk!
If you missed the last Top 10, Sport Talk crowned Scott West (Western) as the AFL's number one player in 2006.
Today, it’s another Top 10 and focus is on the future of football; young guns!
Each week of the home and away season, a 'Rising Star' is nominated by the AFL. To be eligible the player must have played less than 10 games when the season commenced and be under the age of 21.
At the end of the season, the All-Australian selection panel choose a winner from the 22 nominations.
The award was first instituted in 1993 and has become one of the most sought after awards of the AFL.
Previous winners include:
2005 Rising Star - Brett Deledio (Carlton)
2004 Rising Star - Jared Rivers (Melbourne)
2003 Rising Star - Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
2002 Rising Star - Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
So here they are - the top ten AFL Rising Stars of season 2006:
10 - Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
Jones debuted in round 17 and played six games. He was named among Melbourne’s best players in its win over the Kangaroos in round 20. Jones was the standout midfielder, collecting 25 disposals and confirming his ability and desire to play at the elite level.
Jones was Melbourne’s first selection (12th overall) in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft. He was a member of Vic Metro in the 2005 AFL Under 18 Championships and was selected as an All-Australian.
Nathan is a former triathlete and played junior football at Mt Eliza, but gained attention playing for the Dandenong Stingrays in the 2005 TAC Cup Grand Final, gaining 36 possessions in a losing side.
9 - Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide)
The centre half-back played 19 games this season and restricted Nick Riewoldt to two goals in the Power’s narrow round 16 loss to St Kilda in Tasmania.
The 20-year-old left footer debuted in 2004 and played eight matches last year. He suffered a fractured left eye socket in round one, but has found consistency and has collected 20 or more possessions four times this season.
Standing 193cm, Troy was also a champion basketballer and was a member of the Victorian Under 18 basketball team.
8 - Matt Rosa (West Coast)
Rosa gathered 18 possessions, laid six tackles and kicked a goal opposed to Shannon Byrnes and James Kelly in the Eagles’ narrow win over the Cats midway through the season.
He also lined up against Melbourne playmaker Travis Johnstone.
Rosa was named as an emergency in round one then was a late inclusion for the match against Adelaide in round two.
He secured a place amongst the Eagles’ experienced midfield with 27 possessions against the Crows. He has played every game since, averaging 17 possessions a game.
Rosa was West Coast’s first selection (29th overall) in the 2004 AFL Draft.
7 - Michael Rischitelli (Brisbane)
Rischitelli (pronounced Riska-telly) has emerged as a significant player in the Lions midfield this season and has not collected less than 11 possessions in each of the games he has played.
He played on eight different opponents against the Hawks, and won 10 of 11 contested ball contests he was involved in.
Rischitelli played a solitary, but memorable, game in his debut season of 2004. His only game (against Adelaide) included two crunching tackles that resulted in goals, and the Lions won by a record 141 points.
Rischitelli, who turned 20 in January, was the Lions’ last pick at selection 61 in the 2003 AFL Draft.
6 - Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)
It has been a rapid rise for Pearce, who has played 10 senior games in succession since he kicked two goals in an impressive debut against the Kangaroos in Canberra in Round 18, 2005.
His seven matches last year not only earned him the club's best first-year player award, it saw him elevated from the rookie list to Port Adelaide's senior list.
Pearce, 20, was named in the Power's best against Fremantle with 20 disposals, six marks, four tackles and a goal.
5 - Matthew Bate (Melbourne)
Bate is a versatile, tall defender, with the ability to play forward. It is his multi-dimensional abilities that have seen him settle into the Demons’ senior line-up this season.
He debuted in round five against the Kangaroos and joined the exclusive list of players who have kicked a goal with their first kick in AFL football. His 28 possessions and one goal against Carlton was his best match of the season.
Drafted as a 17-year-old, Bate spent the 2005 season playing in the VFL and was a member of Sandringham’s premiership side. He won the Morrish Medal for the best player in the TAC Cup in 2004, was runner-up in the Eastern Ranges’ best and fairest award and played in the TAC Cup Grand Final in 2004.
Bate was Melbourne’s first selection (13th overall) in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft.
4 - Dale Thomas (Collingwood)
The 18-year-old has impressed in his first 15 AFL matches. He kicked two goals on debut against Adelaide and gathered 20 possessions against Hawthorn.
Thomas was Collingwood's first selection (number two overall) in the 2005 AFL Draft. His early selection was reward for a fantastic season. Thomas was a member of the TAC Cup premiership Gippsland Power team. His four goals earned him the TAC Medal for best on ground.
Thomas hails from Drouin in western Victoria, where he made his senior debut for the local side aged 15. He was also the Drouin Secondary College school captain in 2005.
Thomas starred on ANZAC Day against Essendon, confirming his ability to ‘bring it’ on the big stages.
3 - Marc Murphy (Carlton)
While the Blues celebrated Anthony Koutoufides' 250th game and a victory over Melbourne, fans would have been impressed by this 18-year-old's AFL debut when he gathered 17 possessions and kicked a goal in the first quarter.
Murphy's number one selection at the AFL Draft in 2005 capped off a stellar junior football career.
Originally from the Beverley Hills Football Club in suburban Melbourne, he captained Vic Metro at the 2005 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and won the Larke Medal and also gained All-Australian honours.
Playing for the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup competition, he was rated the best player in the competition. In 2004 he was a member of the AIS-AFL Academy Squad.
Murphy played the first 13 games in 2006, before injuring his shoulder and focusing on 2007.
2 - Andrew Raines (Richmond)
Andrew made his Tiger debut back in round 22, 2004, and played six games in 2005. He played all 22 games in 2006.
During a four-week period this year, Raines’ opponents included Robert Murphy, Stephen Milne, Ashley Sampi and Jarred Brennan - and the exciting young talent collectively he held them to just five goals.
Son of Richmond 1980 premiership player and triple best-and-fairest Geoff Raines, the 20-year-old was not selected by father-son rule. He was Richmond's eighth selection (76th overall) in the 2003 AFL Draft, the same draft that Shane Tuck, Thomas Roach, Daniel Jackson and Brent Hartigan were selected.
1 - Heath Shaw (Collingwood)
Shaw broke into the senior side the day after he had 30 touches for Williamstown in the VFL. He was a late addition to the Magpies side that defeated Hawthorn in round two. Since then he hasn’t looked back, playing a total of 21 games for the Pies this season.
The half-back gathered 25 possessions in the ANZAC Day clash against Essendon and collected a season high 33 possessions against Port Adelaide in round 20.
Heath, 20, was selected under the father-son rule in the 2003AFL Draft (his father is former Collingwood captain Ray Shaw), which was the 48th selection overall.
The younger brother of Rhyce, Heath debuted for Collingwood in Round 17, 2005 and was selected for the final six matches of the season.
Shaw was, without doubt, the most impressive young gun of the 2006 AFL season. Expect him to narrowly beat Marc Murphy for the 2006 NAB Rising Star Award.
(Player information and nomination details can be found on the NAB website)
If you missed the last Top 10, Sport Talk crowned Scott West (Western) as the AFL's number one player in 2006.
Scott West, the best AFL player in 2006. Picture: http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au
Each week of the home and away season, a 'Rising Star' is nominated by the AFL. To be eligible the player must have played less than 10 games when the season commenced and be under the age of 21.
At the end of the season, the All-Australian selection panel choose a winner from the 22 nominations.
The award was first instituted in 1993 and has become one of the most sought after awards of the AFL.
Previous winners include:
2005 Rising Star - Brett Deledio (Carlton)
2004 Rising Star - Jared Rivers (Melbourne)
2003 Rising Star - Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
2002 Rising Star - Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
So here they are - the top ten AFL Rising Stars of season 2006:
10 - Nathan Jones (Melbourne)
Jones debuted in round 17 and played six games. He was named among Melbourne’s best players in its win over the Kangaroos in round 20. Jones was the standout midfielder, collecting 25 disposals and confirming his ability and desire to play at the elite level.
Jones was Melbourne’s first selection (12th overall) in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft. He was a member of Vic Metro in the 2005 AFL Under 18 Championships and was selected as an All-Australian.
Nathan is a former triathlete and played junior football at Mt Eliza, but gained attention playing for the Dandenong Stingrays in the 2005 TAC Cup Grand Final, gaining 36 possessions in a losing side.
9 - Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide)
The centre half-back played 19 games this season and restricted Nick Riewoldt to two goals in the Power’s narrow round 16 loss to St Kilda in Tasmania.
The 20-year-old left footer debuted in 2004 and played eight matches last year. He suffered a fractured left eye socket in round one, but has found consistency and has collected 20 or more possessions four times this season.
Standing 193cm, Troy was also a champion basketballer and was a member of the Victorian Under 18 basketball team.
8 - Matt Rosa (West Coast)
Rosa gathered 18 possessions, laid six tackles and kicked a goal opposed to Shannon Byrnes and James Kelly in the Eagles’ narrow win over the Cats midway through the season.
He also lined up against Melbourne playmaker Travis Johnstone.
Rosa was named as an emergency in round one then was a late inclusion for the match against Adelaide in round two.
He secured a place amongst the Eagles’ experienced midfield with 27 possessions against the Crows. He has played every game since, averaging 17 possessions a game.
Rosa was West Coast’s first selection (29th overall) in the 2004 AFL Draft.
7 - Michael Rischitelli (Brisbane)
Rischitelli (pronounced Riska-telly) has emerged as a significant player in the Lions midfield this season and has not collected less than 11 possessions in each of the games he has played.
He played on eight different opponents against the Hawks, and won 10 of 11 contested ball contests he was involved in.
Rischitelli played a solitary, but memorable, game in his debut season of 2004. His only game (against Adelaide) included two crunching tackles that resulted in goals, and the Lions won by a record 141 points.
Rischitelli, who turned 20 in January, was the Lions’ last pick at selection 61 in the 2003 AFL Draft.
6 - Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)
It has been a rapid rise for Pearce, who has played 10 senior games in succession since he kicked two goals in an impressive debut against the Kangaroos in Canberra in Round 18, 2005.
His seven matches last year not only earned him the club's best first-year player award, it saw him elevated from the rookie list to Port Adelaide's senior list.
Pearce, 20, was named in the Power's best against Fremantle with 20 disposals, six marks, four tackles and a goal.
5 - Matthew Bate (Melbourne)
Bate is a versatile, tall defender, with the ability to play forward. It is his multi-dimensional abilities that have seen him settle into the Demons’ senior line-up this season.
He debuted in round five against the Kangaroos and joined the exclusive list of players who have kicked a goal with their first kick in AFL football. His 28 possessions and one goal against Carlton was his best match of the season.
Drafted as a 17-year-old, Bate spent the 2005 season playing in the VFL and was a member of Sandringham’s premiership side. He won the Morrish Medal for the best player in the TAC Cup in 2004, was runner-up in the Eastern Ranges’ best and fairest award and played in the TAC Cup Grand Final in 2004.
Bate was Melbourne’s first selection (13th overall) in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft.
4 - Dale Thomas (Collingwood)
The 18-year-old has impressed in his first 15 AFL matches. He kicked two goals on debut against Adelaide and gathered 20 possessions against Hawthorn.
Thomas was Collingwood's first selection (number two overall) in the 2005 AFL Draft. His early selection was reward for a fantastic season. Thomas was a member of the TAC Cup premiership Gippsland Power team. His four goals earned him the TAC Medal for best on ground.
Thomas hails from Drouin in western Victoria, where he made his senior debut for the local side aged 15. He was also the Drouin Secondary College school captain in 2005.
Thomas starred on ANZAC Day against Essendon, confirming his ability to ‘bring it’ on the big stages.
Marc Murphy had a stellar first season for Carlton. Picture: http://www.carltonfc.com.au
3 - Marc Murphy (Carlton)
While the Blues celebrated Anthony Koutoufides' 250th game and a victory over Melbourne, fans would have been impressed by this 18-year-old's AFL debut when he gathered 17 possessions and kicked a goal in the first quarter.
Murphy's number one selection at the AFL Draft in 2005 capped off a stellar junior football career.
Originally from the Beverley Hills Football Club in suburban Melbourne, he captained Vic Metro at the 2005 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and won the Larke Medal and also gained All-Australian honours.
Playing for the Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup competition, he was rated the best player in the competition. In 2004 he was a member of the AIS-AFL Academy Squad.
Murphy played the first 13 games in 2006, before injuring his shoulder and focusing on 2007.
Tiger Andrew Raines played above and beyond expectations this season. Picture: http://www.heraldsun.com.au
2 - Andrew Raines (Richmond)
Andrew made his Tiger debut back in round 22, 2004, and played six games in 2005. He played all 22 games in 2006.
During a four-week period this year, Raines’ opponents included Robert Murphy, Stephen Milne, Ashley Sampi and Jarred Brennan - and the exciting young talent collectively he held them to just five goals.
Son of Richmond 1980 premiership player and triple best-and-fairest Geoff Raines, the 20-year-old was not selected by father-son rule. He was Richmond's eighth selection (76th overall) in the 2003 AFL Draft, the same draft that Shane Tuck, Thomas Roach, Daniel Jackson and Brent Hartigan were selected.
Heath Shaw - the AFL's best rising star in 2006. Picture: http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au
1 - Heath Shaw (Collingwood)
Shaw broke into the senior side the day after he had 30 touches for Williamstown in the VFL. He was a late addition to the Magpies side that defeated Hawthorn in round two. Since then he hasn’t looked back, playing a total of 21 games for the Pies this season.
The half-back gathered 25 possessions in the ANZAC Day clash against Essendon and collected a season high 33 possessions against Port Adelaide in round 20.
Heath, 20, was selected under the father-son rule in the 2003AFL Draft (his father is former Collingwood captain Ray Shaw), which was the 48th selection overall.
The younger brother of Rhyce, Heath debuted for Collingwood in Round 17, 2005 and was selected for the final six matches of the season.
Shaw was, without doubt, the most impressive young gun of the 2006 AFL season. Expect him to narrowly beat Marc Murphy for the 2006 NAB Rising Star Award.
(Player information and nomination details can be found on the NAB website)
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Comment by Glen Atwell
Computer Game
Sport Talk
Gamer Herald
Clint Bartram / Dean Polo / Jacob Surjan were probably the most notable omissions... But it is a Top 10!
Any tips for the NAB Rising Star Award?
Comment by Mel
HEATH SHAW ROBBED. You got the number one right, pity the AFL didn't. What a farce! As you said since he broke into the senior side in round two he hasn't looked back. He backs himself in the one on ones, runs off his opponent, takes contested marks, rarely gets beaten and even slots the occassional goal not to mention being a goal magnet. Shawy will go pretty close to winning the copeland trophy, it wouldn't surprise me if he won it as he has probably been the clubs most consistent performer all season.
I was gobsmacked when I heard that Pearce won- I thought if Heath got pipped it would have been by Andrew Raines who has also had a consistent year.
Glen I can't fault your top 10- especially your top 5. Well done, your best work all season, pity you aren't on the selection panel.
Comment by from mrs thomas :P
Comment by from mrs thomas :P