Bevo’s 2018 AFL Rising Star Top 10

There is some serious talent this year in the AFL so trying to choose the top ten in order for the 2018 Rising Star is no easy task. Here is how I think it the AFL Rising Star award will finish in order based on how the season has gone so far, of course things may change as there is still a long way to go!

Ben Ronke (Sydney)

The Swans rookie had a breakout game in round eight where he kicked seven goals to help the Swans to an eight-point win over the Hawks. Ronke also had 11 possessions and a very impressive ten tackles and clearly deserved his round eight nomination for this year’s AFL Rising Star. Ronke has kicked 14 goals this year and is ranked second amongst of all the Rising Star’s for total goals kicked.

Cameron Rayner (Brisbane)

The Brisbane Lions number one draft pick from the 2017 National Draft has had a solid start to his career, however he surprisingly is yet to receive a nomination in this year’s AFL Rising Star. Rayner had a career best 21 disposals, six marks and seven tackles in the Lions' round 11 loss to the Roos by 54 points and is averaging 12.7 disposals a game.

Jack Henry (Geelong)

Geelong have a great record of producing incredible young talent and Henry has been no exception this year. Henry was rewarded for his good form with a round seven AFL Rising Star nomination. The young defender has played all 12 games since he came into the side in round two to replace the injured Harry Taylor. Henry is ranked second in total contested marks and total one percenters out of all of the Rising Stars.

Ed Richards (Western Bulldogs)

The grandson of the great late Lou Richards, Ed is having a great year with the Dogs and he was nominated for this year’s AFL Rising Star in round 10 with 23 disposals, four marks and four tackles. He also kicked three goals and had 15 disposals in a losing side to Port Adelaide in round 13.

Andrew Brayshaw (Fremantle)

Brayshaw is certainly having an impressive first season. Brayshaw is averaging 15.1 disposals per game and he is one of the best young tacklers in the game, averaging 4.2 tackles per game and is ranked second in overall tackles per game out of all of this year’s Rising Stars. Like teammate Adam Cerra, he hasn’t been nominated as yet for this year’s Rising Star, however he is likely to receive a nomination soon.

Adam Cerra (Fremantle)

Cerra hasn’t been nominated but it is only a matter of time before he receives a nomination. The 19-year-old is having a fantastic season and he had an amazing perfect 10 score for the coaches votes in the Dockers' three-point win over the Crows in round 12. Cerra racked up 30 disposals from half back and was very unlucky not to be nominated for the Rising Star. Team mate Brennan Cox was nominated instead for his four goals and 19 disposals in the same game.

Tom Doedee (Adelaide)

In a disappointing year so far for the Adelaide Crows, Doedee has been one of their shining lights. He has played every game so far in 2018 and his statistics show just why he’s a real chance to win this year’s AFL Rising Star. Based on the numbers, Doedee is ranked first in total intercepts, third in contested possessions per game and rebound 50’s per game and second in one percenters per game.

Alex Witherden (Brisbane)

Witherden is another young defender who is having a great season. He is averaging 21.9 disposals per game and an impressive 7.3 marks per game. Out of all of this year’s Rising Stars, Witherden is ranked first for total disposals and effective disposals which proves that he uses the ball very well. The young Lion is also first for rebound 50’s which indicates that he likes to provide a lot of run out of defence.

Oliver Florent (Sydney)

Florent has been amongst Sydney’s best the past few weeks and was rewarded with a nomination for the AFL Rising Star in round 11 after the Swans' 30-point win over the Blues. Florent was terrific with 20 disposals and four inside 50’s at an efficiency of 85%. He is a real chance to take out this year’s AFL Rising Star.

Jaidyn Stevenson (Collingwood)

Stevenson has been a consistent performer up forward for the Magpies this year and one of the reasons for their rise up the ladder. His breakout game was a five goal haul against the Crows in round four where he showed the footy world that he is a serious talent. Stevenson has now kicked 21 goals at an average of 1.6 per game.