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AFL: Rising Star contenders

3 minute read

The NAB AFL Rising Star is awarded to the standout young player in the AFL each season.

Picture: Bet365

The standout young player in each round of the competition will receive a nomination. Then at the end of the season, the Rising Star will be announced.

To be eligible to win the award, players must stay clear of suspension, and in 2024, two of the hot fancies have already been ruled out of the running.

West Coast Eagles star Harley Reid, who was nominated in round 5, and Western Bulldogs starlet Sam Darcy, who was nominated in round 4, have both been suspended.

The duo were among the hot fancies to win the 2024 Rising Star award, but will now miss out after falling foul of the judiciary.

Let's take a look at some of the other contenders to win the AFL Rising Star award for 2024.

George Wardlaw

The North Melbourne midfielder earned his nomination in round 2 of the season and is now the hot fancy to win the Rising Star.

It has been another tough season for the Kangaroos, who have just one win to their name, but Wardlaw has been a highlight.

The 19-year-old chipped in with another 23 disposals in the three-point loss to Melbourne, and if he stays fit, the Rising Star could be heading his way.

Ollie Dempsey

Dempsey has cemented his place in the Geelong side in 2024 and has caught the eye with his performances.

The versatile starlet is already in contention to win Mark of the Year, and looks to be in with a great shout of winning the Rising Star as well.

Dempsey booted another goal and chipped in with 25 disposals in the loss to Carlton on Friday night.

Darcy Wilson

St Kilda may have been smashed by 60 points against the Western Bulldogs in round 6, but that did not stop Wilson landing his Rising Star nomination.

He was a rare highlight for the Saints on an otherwise very disappointing day. Wilson contributed 15 touches and a goal and is on his way to being a star of the future.

Taken with pick No.18 in the draft, Wilson has cemented his place in the St Kilda side.

Colby McKercher

Another North Melbourne youngster is in contention to win the Rising Star as McKercher continues to shine.

McKercher earned his nomination in round 9 after collecting 32 disposals, and is averaging over 20 disposals a game this season.

North Melbourne won the Rising Star in 2023 with Harry Sheezel and could go back-to-back with either McKercher or Wardlaw.

Caleb Windsor

Windsor is having a stellar campaign after the Demons snapped him up with pick No.7 during the AFL draft.

The Melbourne starlet picked up his Rising Star nomination in round 8, helping his side to victory over then ladder-leaders, Geelong.

Windsor collected 18 disposals and also chipped in with a crucial goal with 10 minutes left on the clock as the Demons got the job done.

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