Sydney gun Errol Gulden has been labelled the best player nominated for this years NAB Rising Star Award.
Gulden was superb in the Swans come from behind win over the Giants and has caught the eye of Melbourne legend Garry Lyon.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Lyon said that Gulden was a "super player" and believes he is the best player so far nominated for the award.
“I don’t think this kid’s going to win the NAB Rising Star, but I think he’s the best of the group and his name’s Errol Gulden,” Lyon said.
“I think he’s the best player out of that group. I think he’s a super player.
“I think he’s going to be a really, really good player. His ball-use is superb, his footy-smarts and IQ are through the roof, I think he’s the best of the whole lot.
Lyon admitted Gulden may not win the award due to a shin injury forcing him to miss some football in the middle of the year.
“He missed a whole chunk of footy so he might not win the Rising Star, but for me I think he’s the best of that group," said the Melbourne champion.
Gulden isn't the only 2021 nominee to garner attention recently with Port Adelaide forward Mitch Georgiades being talked about as a smokey for the award.
Port Adelaide games-record holder Kane Cornes recently said that the 19-year-old should be considered as a favourite for the award.
“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.
Mitch Georgiades cannot be stopped today 😤#AFLSaintsPower pic.twitter.com/PxIgygoRzo
— AFL (@AFL) July 17, 2021
“Right now, he’s the Rising Star. We’re far too midfield heavy in all of our awards.
“Look at the last 10 Brownlow Medal winners, look at the Rising Star winners of recent years, there’s the odd exception.
"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
“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.
“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.”
