The 2023 Rising Star Award has emerged as one of the closer races the AFL has seen for some time, with the competition's young stars having an immediate impact in the top flight.
Given the campaigns of Brisbane's Will Ashcroft, Saint Mitchito Owens, Roo Harry Sheezel and Fremantle's Jye Amiss, there's no clear favourite for the honour this season, while a late push could be made across the final eight rounds.
11 separate clubs have seen one of their own earn nominations through the opening 16 rounds of the season, with six of last year's top 10 among those to have had their best performances recognised.
So who is yet to earn a nomination and which players could make a late run for the 2023 Rising Star Award? We've broken down each club's best chances for a nomination before the season is over.
The nominations so far:
Round 1 - Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne)
Round 2 - Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)
Round 3 - Reuben Ginbey (West Coast)
Round 4 - Mitchito Owens (St Kilda)
Round 5 - Max Michalanney (Adelaide)
Round 6 - Jai Culley (West Coast)
Round 7 - Finn Callaghan (GWS)
Round 8 - Mattaes Phillipou (St Kilda)
Round 9 - Bailey Humphrey (Gold Coast)
Round 10 - Josh Weddle (Hawthorn)
Round 11 - Jye Amiss (Fremantle)
Round 12 - Jacob van Rooyen (Melbourne)
Round 13 - George Wardlaw (North Melbourne)
Round 14 - Darcy Wilmot (Brisbane)
Round 15 - Angus Sheldrick (Sydney)
Round 16 - Luke Pedlar (Adelaide)
VIEW: FULL LIST OF ELIGIBLE PLAYERS FOR 2023 RISING STAR AWARD
Adelaide
Only two of Adelaide's eight eligible players have featured at senior level this year and both have notched up nominations, with Max Michalanney (Round 5) and Luke Pedlar (Round 16) both finding roles under Matthew Nicks in 2023. Zak Taylor and Luke Nankervis have come close to selection and could earn themselves a debut and nomination later in the season if opportunities present.
Brisbane
First-round pick and father-son selection Jaspa Fletcher looms as a strong chance to earn a nomination through the final eight weeks of the season after an impressive first three games as a Lion. The Brisbane flanker looks to have locked in a spot at AFL level and could be in line to feature come finals as the Lions make a premiership tilt. After Will Ashcroft (Round 2) and Darcy Wilmot (Round 14) earned nominations, Fletcher and second-year forward Kai Lohmann lead the charge for the Lions.
Carlton
The Blues gained some instant impact from rookie pairing Oliver Hollands and Lachie Cowan in the early rounds of the season, however injury and form have left them out of action through the middle of the season. A shoulder setback for Hollands could mean he misses out on a nomination for his career, having played the first 11 games of 2023 to now be ineligible for 2024. Cowan has returned to the VFL in recent weeks and will again press his case for a recall.
Collingwood
The Magpies have unveiled just the one debutant in 2023, with forward Harvey Harrison featuring in the past four matches for Craig McRae. With a number of senior players nearing returns, time may be running out for the teenager. Collingwood have also seen strong efforts from Ed Allan and Jakob Ryan in the VFL this year, with either first-year Magpie a chance for a late-season debut.ย
Essendon
The Bombers have a dozen players eligible for the Rising Star Award this year, with 2022 Mid-Season Draft recruits Massimo D'Ambrosio and Jye Menzie the two leading names for a nomination. D'Ambrosio earned a nomination during last year's award race, while Menzie has played in all but one game in 2023.ย Alwyn Davey Jr. got a glimpse earlier this season but has since found opportunities hard to come by, while Pick 5 Elijah Tsatas is closer to a debut after an impressive run in the VFL.
Fremantle
Dockers midfielder Matthew Johnson looms as one of the leading candidates to secure a nomination before the season is over, having continued to refine his role in Justin Lonmguir's midfield group since his Round 5 debut. Fellow 2021 draftee Neil Erasmus has recently broken back into the senior and could also be in line for a nod.
Geelong
The Cats haven't leant on their younger players throughout 2023, however tall midfielder Mitch Knevitt has shown glimpses of poise and promise through his seven appearances this year. The local talent might've been unlucky to miss out on a nomination in Round 9 against the Bulldogs after his 17 disposals, seven tackles, five inside 50s and a goal in the win. If he can break back into the senior side, Knevitt will be a good chance to earn a nomination. Second-year forward Oliver Dempsey is another player who has been knocking down the door for selection through strong VFL form in recent weeks and could also earn a recall.
Gold Coast
2021 first-round pick Mac Andrew looms as a strong chance to earn a nomination before the season is over, having played in nine matches this year as a key-position defender for Stuart Dew. The 201cm tall talent is joined by Joel Jeffrey as a common feature for the Suns, while fringe midfielder Elijah Hollands could have an instant impact if a return to the AFL is earned.
GWS
2022 No.1 pick Aaron Cadman is yet to wow supporters, with the young forward needing more time to develop before presenting his best brand of football. He joins fellow first-round pick Harry Rowston on the fringes at GWS, while Ryan Angwin could earn a nomination given his presence in the senior side over recent weeks.
Hawthorn
The Hawks are likely to see another young defender earn a nomination, with Seamus Mitchell expected to follow in the footsteps of Josh Weddle (Round 10) given his formidable start to the 2023 season. After making his debut after two years on the outskirts of the senior side, Mitchell leads the likes ofย Sam Butler and Cam Mackenzie to be the next Hawthorn young gun to get a nod.
Melbourne
The Demons have already had one nomination in young forward Jacob van Rooyen, with defender Judd McVee highly likely to earn himself one of the 24 spots after playing in all 15 matches for Melbourne so far this year. Defender Daniel Turner and midfield-forward Bailey Laurie would also be in consideration given their chances of senior action.
North Melbourne
The Kangaroos have had two nominations so far this year, with top four picks Harry Sheezel (Round 1) and George Wardlaw (Round 13) both securing spots on the 24-man list. Young forward pair Eddie Ford and Phoenix Spicer have earned senior minutes this season and could secure nominations if new heights are reached across the coming eight rounds.
Port Adelaide
The Power have seen four eligible players break into the senior side so far this season, withย Jase Burgoyne, Dante Visentini, Josh Sinn and Ollie Lord all gaining minutes throughout the first 16 rounds of the year. Burgoyne looms as the strongest candidate, while Visentini could be on the verge of playing in a string of games given Port Adelaide's current ruck woes on the injury front.
Richmond
The Tigers will unveil two debutants in Round 17 inย Sam Banks and Jacob Bauer, both of whom are eligible for nominations in 2023. Elsewhere, Judson Clarke and Tyler Sonsie could be in the mix for nods given their chances of senior action.
Sydney
The Swans managed to secure their second rising star nomination in as many years in Round 15 thanks to the breakout of midfielder Angus Sheldrick, who has recently become a shining light in Sydney's engine room after hiding his time at VFL level and as the tactical sub. Outside of Sheldrick, young forward Corey Warner firms as the club's next best chance.
West Coast
The Eagles are among the five clubs with two nominations in 2023, having seen Reuben Ginbey (Round 3) and Jai Culley (Round 6) both lead West Coast's younger ranks through the early rounds of the year. 2022 first-round pick Elijah Hewett is getting better with each passing week to be in line for a nomination of his own, while Harry Barnett, Rhett Bazzo, Campbell Chesser, Noah Long and Jack Williams are all getting senior minutes.
Western Bulldogs
Young Bulldogs forward Arthur Jones played in 11 straight matches from his Round 3 debut but has since fallen out of the senior side without a nomination to his name. A return to the top flight could be on the cards through the final eight rounds of the year, while young utility Sam Darcy is in a similar position after working his way back from injury to play in the VFL last week.
