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.
4. Josh Smillie
Another highly touted Richmond draftee, Smillie too has a ready-made physical size that could see him start life in the AFL with a bang.
Smillie possesses agility and versatility despite his large frame, which will be beneficial for the 195cm unit to play across all three lines if necessary.
But his build and height remain his biggest asset in his debut season, likely to help him hold his own against adult bodies, and therefore see a fast adaptation to the top flight.
