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.
6Alix Tauru
High-Flying St Kilda defender, Alix Tauru, burst onto the scene halfway through last season, equalling the record for most spoils by a St Kilda player with 14 in just his second game.
After his debut in Round 15, Tauru went on to feature in St Kilda's last nine games, cementing a spot in Ross Lyon's defence.
Tauru finished off the season playing the role of intercept defender for the Saints, and is in line to feature heavily in the role again as St Kilda look to climb up the ladder in 2026.
