Port Adelaide forward Mitch Georgiades' Rising Star stocks took another leap this weekend off the back of his four-goal outing against the Saints on Saturday.
Georgiades played a vital role in the Power's 13-point win over fellow finals contenders in St Kilda, also amassing 10 disposals, four contested marks and five score involvements for the day.
The 19-year-old's four majors takes his 2021 tally to 27 goals as he continues to support star forward Charlie Dixon in Ken Hinkley's attack.
Mitch Georgiades cannot be stopped today 😤#AFLSaintsPower pic.twitter.com/PxIgygoRzo
— AFL (@AFL) July 17, 2021
Saturday's shining performance has boosted Georgiades' bid for the Rising Star Award, with Port champion Kane Cornes believing the ace teenager hasn't received enough attention for his output this year.
“We need to start talking about him more,” Cornes said on The Round So Far.
“He’s 19 years of age, he kicked four goals in a big game, he’s the second-leading goal scorer in a top four side, he’s taken 28 marks inside 50.
“Right now, he’s the Rising Star. We’re far too midfield heavy in all of our awards.
Forward
Disposals
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“You look at the coaches’ award right now, there’s one non-midfielder in the top 10 and that’s Max Gawn who’s a ruckman.
“Look at the last 10 Brownlow Medal winners, look at the Rising Star winners of recent years, there’s the odd exception.
“We don’t give enough weight to the role of other positions – whether that be defenders, running half-backs or the toughest position to play on the ground, and that’s Mitch Georgiades.
"There's so much upside to Mitch Georgiades and we're excited about what he can bring.
Ken Hinkley speaks highly of his young key forward, and talks about his emotional discussion with Charlie Dixon during the match.#9AFLSFS | Watch @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/La6Bh4vSMX
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) July 18, 2021
“If anyone deserves the Rising Star right now, he probably goes on and kicks 35-40 goals for the year – that’s a massive effort in a really good side.”
Georgiades is likely set to compete with the likes of Giants midfielder Tom Green and Demons duo James Jordon and Luke Jackson for the Rising Star honours this season.
Green has been a key member of the Giants' engine room this season, averaging over 20 disposals, four clearances and three tackles per game.
Midfielder
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Jordon and Jackson have also had major hands in their side's success, filling significant positions for the premiership-contending Demons.
