The 2026 season is about to kick off, and a new crop of draftees is set to have an impact on the league and battle it out for the 2026 Rising Star award.
Also, a group of overage talents are set to take a jump in their second season at AFL level, making this year's Rising Star award a close and competitive race.
Here's a refresh on the criteria to be eligible for the award.
- Players must be under the age of 21 as of January 1, 2026.
- Players can only have played 10 AFL games or fewer in previous seasons.
- Players must not be suspended at AFL or state league level during the season.
Last year, first-year player Murphy Reid took home the award, beating out Dan Curtin and Levi Ashcroft in a close race that was debated all season long.
In a stacked crop of talent, this year's race is anyone's for the taking. Here is Zero Hanger's verdict on the 10 favourites for this year's Rising Star award.
10Jobe Shanahan
Taken with pick 30 in the 2024 AFL Draft, Jobe Shanahan made his debut late last year in Round 16, against Collingwood.
He then went on to feature in the last nine games of 2024, kicking 12 majors, and playing a key role in the Eagles' side.
Shanahan will be playing second fiddle to key forward Jake Waterman, and will have an increased role and responsibility in 2026, after Oscar Allen departed the Eagles.
He will have the opportunity to cement himself in the young Eagles side, and in their long-term future, and build on his successful end of 2025.
