As the pre-season closes and the 2020 AFL Premiership season edges closer, clubs have been blooding young players to get them closer to senior football. As we enter this period, discussion begins over who will be awarded the Rising Star for 2022.

With COVID impacting lists for the past two seasons, we saw a rise of second-year players staking their claims for the award, such as 2021 winner Luke Jackson, while 2022 could see a first-year player burst onto the scene like Sam Walsh.

These young players at your club will be itching for more regular game time in 2022 and are your club's best chances at winning the Rising Star.

Eligibility Requirement: Players must be under the age of 21 as of January 1st and must have played 10 games or less of AFL football.

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF THE AFL SEASON GUIDE

Back
Next

Adelaide

Josh Rachele

After being drafted at Pick 6 in last year's National Draft, Josh Rachele has quickly made an impact at the Crows this pre-season. The 18-year-old midfielder/forward has impressed in the two practice matches against Brisbane and Port Adelaide.

Rachele kicked three goals against the Lions, immediately impressing the Crows' faithful. He followed that up by kicking three more goals against Port Adelaide in the AAMI Community Series to go along with his 12 disposals and nine tackles.

By keeping this sensational form up during the AFL season, Rachele could be a big chance to be the Rising Star recipient.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05: Joshua Rachele of the Crows during the 2022 AFL Community Series match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at Richmond Oval on March 5, 2022 In Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Honourable Mentions: Luke Pedlar, Jake Soligo

Back
Next