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.
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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.
Honourable Mentions: Luke Pedlar, Jake Soligo
A medium defender who loves the tough side of the game, Darcy Wilmot is a big chance to play some AFL this season. Drafted from the Northern Knights at Pick 16 in the 2021 National Draft, Wilmot has the speed and toughness to match it in the AFL.
While currently suspended for one match following a dangerous tackle on Crows forward Ned McHenry in their practice match against the Crows, Wilmot will be eager to work his way back into the Lions team and show that aggression early in the season.
Honourable Mention: Harry Sharp
The first of the second-year players on this list, the 173cm Durdin will be looking to make an impact in this Blues side. After playing two games in 2021, Durdin has played in both practice matches in 2022, however, suffered a calf injury in the third quarter against the Demons.
Durdin kicked one goal against the Saints in their unofficial practice match and looked lively around the goals early in the game. He once again looked comfortable against the Demons the following week, kicking two first-half majors before suffering the injury. Once he recovers, he will most definitely be in the frame to play some AFL this season.
Honourable Mentions: Brodie Kemp, Luke Parks
One of the favourites to win the award, Nick Daicos has fit like a glove in the Magpies' midfield so far this pre-season. Coming out of the draft as arguably the best player of the crop, Daicos has already shown his ball-winning abilities against AFL bodies.
A great mover and decision-maker, Daicos is a lock for Round 1 after his classy performances against Hawthorn and the Giants. The 19-year-old racked up 31 disposals in the Magpies' loss to the Giants and looks to be showing glimpses of the player everyone believes he can become. An easy bet for the Rising Star Award.
Honourable Mentions: Finlay Macrae, Charlie Dean
Selected with the 13th pick in last year's draft, Ben Hobbs will be hoping to push for senior selection throughout 2022. Hobbs only played the last quarter against the Western Bulldogs, where he showed glimpses of his midfield ability. However, he did not play against St Kilda in the AAMI Community Series, indicating that he is no lock to play Round 1.
The midfielder can win his own football and will be hoping he can show that in the VFL and translate it to the senior level.
New signing Nick Martin was very close to being the chosen one here on the back of some impressive pre-season performances.
Honourable Mentions: Nick Martin, Kaine Baldwin
Another second-year player, Heath Chapman played six games for the Dockers in 2021 and has already staked his claim for 2022. The Western Australian has settled in defence, impressing against the Eagles in the AAMI Community Series. Chapman finished the game with 23 disposals, nine intercepts and went at 82.6% efficiency.
The defender has received praise from those within the Dockers and is almost certain to play Round 1. His versatility is a big positive to his game and he will no doubt be up there when the Rising Star is awarded at the end of the season.
Honourable Mentions: Nathan O'Driscoll, Neil Erasmus
Despite all the speculation about the age of the Cats' list, the young brigade is beginning to make an impact on the team in 2022. Sam De Koning looks set for a big 2022, in which he has put on size and settled as a key backman at the Cats. Following the retirement of Lachie Henderson, De Koning will certainly get a look into the best 22 to add to his one senior game.
De Koning impressed against the Suns in the AAMI Community Series, ending the game with 19 disposals and five marks in a performance that would give Chris Scott confidence in De Koning to match it with the bigger bodies. Should he play consistently, De Koning could very well be in Rising Star conversations.
Honourable Mentions: Cooper Stephens, Francis Evans
A tough one to pick with the likes of Mac Andrew and Elijah Hollands knocking on the door, but Alex Davies has shown genuine ability in the midfield and forward line for the Suns this pre-season and seems to be a good chance for Round 1 this year.
The 191cm midfielder/forward, kicked two goals in the first quarter against Port Adelaide in their practice match and amassed 11 disposals and six tackles against the Cats in the AAMI Community Series. Davies will be eager to add to his one senior game with the Suns in 2022, as he looks to continue his brilliant pre-season form.
Honourable Mentions: Elijah Hollands, Mac Andrew
Pick 3 in the 2021 National Draft, Finn Callaghan has had his pre-season halted by a foot injury and will look to push his case for selection in the early rounds of the season. The left-footed midfielder, who has been likened to Marcus Bontempelli, showcased his silky talents for the Sandringham Dragons in 2021 and will be looking for more of that form in 2022.
Honourable Mention: Conor Stone, Josh Fahey, Leek Aleer
Josh Ward's performance against the Tigers has all but cemented his place in the Round 1 Hawthorn team. The prized draftee has impressed the Hawks this pre-season, along with multiple other youngsters. Ward had 29 disposals along with six clearances against the Tigers, providing some excitement for Hawks fans who will be eager for their midfield to improve in 2022.
Assuming this form can continue into the AFL season, Ward will certainly get big minutes in the midfield and will be a name to watch for the Rising Star Award.
Honourable Mentions: Jai Newcombe, Connor MacDonald
The small defender, who was part of the Melbourne premiership team last season will be looking to keep his place in the 22. Averaging 17 disposals for the Demons in his seven games, Bowey's speed and class adds to the already sensational Melbourne backline.
Bowey impressed against Carlton in the AAMI Community Series, collecting 22 disposals and will be looking to maintain those kinds of numbers during the AFL season. Playing through the finals has given Bowey the experience in pressure games, so expect him to be in the conversation to win the Rising Star Award.
Honourable Mention: Daniel Turner, Jacob van Rooyen, Blake Howes
Along with Nick Daicos, Jason Horne-Francis is a standout to win the award this season. Picked at the prized number 1 selection in the 2021 draft, the South Australian has given North fans some exciting glimpses of what Horne-Francis can do. While he will most likely play more forward, Horne-Francis is a lock for North's best 22 and will be given as much game time as possible this year.
He has impressed in the practice matches, showing an ability to hit the scoreboard, apply pressure and win his own footy. Horne-Francis has also flexed his prowess in taking contested marks. North fans will be excited to watch this kid play in 2022.
Honourable Mentions: Josh Goater, Eddie Ford
After playing six games for the Power in 2021, Lachie Jones will certainly add to that tally this season. The big-bodied defender showed his ability at AFL level last year and has continued that form into the preseason.
Jones had 22 disposals, four marks and five tackles as Port Adelaide crushed the Crows in the AAMI Community Series, to finish as one of the Power's best. Jones' size and ability will give him a great chance to become a lock in the Port 22 and push for the Rising Star in 2022.
Honourable Mentions: Josh Sinn, Jed McEntee
At 197cm and a great vertical leap, Josh Gibcus has transitioned to AFL footy seamlessly for the Tigers. After the loss of David Astbury, there is a position for Gibcus to fit into the Tigers' best 22. Gibcus impressed against Geelong in their practice match and followed it up with a handy performance against the Hawks with 13 disposals, two marks and three tackles in the AAMI Community Series.
While Gibcus is no certainty just yet, his performances and glimpses of athleticism have given the Richmond faithful some encouragement for his development.
Honourable Mentions: Hugo Ralphsmith, Tom Brown
The slightly built Wanganeen-Milera has a lot of talent that will excite St Kilda fans who have become familiar with the Milera name. Wanganeen-Milera, whose father Terry played 30 games for the Saints, was regarded as the best kicks from the 2021 draft class which led to Saints selecting him at Pick 11.
Wanganeen-Milera has shown glimpses on the wing for the Saints but will need to bulk up before cementing a spot in the AFL side.
Wanganeen-Milera got a chance to play against the Bombers in the AAMI Community Series, finishing with seven disposals, indicating he is not too far away from senior selection heading into 2022.
Honourable Mentions: Mitchito Owens, Marcus Windhager
The impressive young Swan started 2021 on fire, as did the Swans and their other young guns. Campbell received a Rising Star nomination in Round 2, after collecting 25 disposals against the Crows. However, Campbell would finish the season with eight games to his name, making him eligible for this year's Rising Star.
Campbell will inevitably get more game time in his second season at the Swans. The 20-year-old had 15 disposals, four marks and two tackles in the Swans' victory over North Melbourne in the AAMI Community Series. Look out for Campbell to solidify his position in the Swans 22 and get more midfield minutes.
Honourable Mention: Logan McDonald
There aren't many West Coast youngsters who have had a good look in this pre-season, with many not meeting the requirement for the Rising Star. Brady Hough, however, has been involved this pre-season leading into 2022.
The 190cm midfielder, who was drafted with pick 31 in the 2021 National Draft, has the ability to play in defence, on the wing and the half-forward line.
Hough amassed 14 disposals and eight marks against the Dockers in the AAMI Community Series. Hough will be keen to push for selection early in the season for a depleted West Coast side. Campbell Chesser would have been the pick here, but his recent injury has hurt his chances of playing significant AFL football this year.
Honourable Mention: Jack Williams, Rhett Bazzo
The number 1 draft pick of 2021, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will be pushing to add to his tally of the five games he played for the Bulldogs last season. The talented key forward showed glimpses of what he can bring to the Bulldogs' forward in the second half of 2021, kicking seven goals in those five matches.
He has struggled to make the impact he'd want so far this preseason, with Ugle-Hagan not selected for the Dogs' six-point loss to the Lions in the AAMI Community. AFL fans will be keen to see how Ugle-Hagan goes this year, as he would only need a few good VFL performances to get into the Bulldog's 22 this season.
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