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.
2Dyson Sharp
Touted as the most ready-made player out of the 2025 draft, Sharp is a contested beast and will feature heavily in the Bombers' side in 2026.
Sharp is the favourite to take out the Award from the 2025 draft; his contested ball-winning skills should see him rack up touches and be a key pillar in the Bombers' midfield.
At this point, it will be more of a shock if Sharp doesn't make his debut in Round 1, against the Hawks.
