The 2025 season is nearly underway, and a suite of youngsters are set to make their case for the AFL Rising Star award after what is regarded as one of the deepest draft pools in AFL history.
Meanwhile, a few overage talents are predicted to blossom in their second seasons at AFL level, making this year's Rising Star contest as competitive as ever.
Quickly, a refresher on the criteria to be eligible for the award.
- Players must be under the age of 21 as of January 1, 2025.
- Players can only have played 10 AFL games or less in previous seasons.
- Players must not be suspended at AFL or state-league level during the season.
Last year, second-year Cat Ollie Dempsey took home the award, albeit thanks to in-season suspensions to Harley Reid and Sam Darcy, who were tipped to claim the award over the Geelong forward.
But in a stacked crop of talent, this year's race is anyone's for the taking. Here is Zero Hanger's verdict on the top contenders for this year's Rising Star award.
2. Sam Lalor
The No. 1 draft pick is undoubtedly in the conversation for the Rising Star despite entering the season under an injury cloud.
Lalor already boasts the physical attributes of an AFL athlete, giving the teenager his best chance to quickly adapt to elite football against grown men.
In his first hitout against an AFL club, Lalor played up forward and kicked two goals, and potentially could've had three had he not been injured from Reuben Ginbey's push.
In a young Richmond side expected to struggle, Lalor will get plenty of opportunity and responsibility in his first year, which could boost his chances at the award even further.
