This AFL season’s Rising Star race might be one of the most unusual in recent memory. As the league gets ready to hand out the Ron Evans Medal for the best young talent at the AFL Awards, two of the top contenders—No. 1 draft pick Harley Reid and Western Bulldogs powerhouse Sam Darcy—are out of the running due to suspensions they received just a day apart in Round 12.
If both Reid and Darcy had been eligible, the competition between them would likely have been fierce. However, even without them in the mix, there’s no shortage of emerging football stars, making the task of selecting the best of the rest a challenging one.
Geelong’s Ollie Dempsey, who plays as a wingman, is considered the frontrunner. Dempsey has solidified his spot in a strong Cats team and delivered some electrifying performances in his third year of football. Yet, North Melbourne’s George Wardlaw, a powerful player, St Kilda’s first-year winger Darcy Wilson, and Hawthorn’s dynamic Nick Watson are also serious contenders.
Given the depth of talent in this Rising Star class, a Power Ranking of the nominees from 1 to 25 is necessary.
Harley Reid, despite being ranked 25th due to his ineligibility from a suspension, has made a significant impact at West Coast. His dangerous tackle on fellow Rising Star nominee Wilson led to his suspension, barring him from becoming the latest No. 1 draft pick to win the Ron Evans Medal. However, Reid doesn’t need an award to prove his potential. Anyone who has watched him this season knows how extraordinary the 19-year-old is. With his explosive speed, immense strength, and flair for the dramatic, Reid has produced some of the most spectacular highlights ever seen from a first-year player. While he’s ineligible for the Rising Star award, he could still win the Goal of the Year, showing just how bright his future is.
Sam Darcy of the Western Bulldogs, who ranks 24th, has also had an exceptional season. While Reid’s debut year has had its critics, no one doubts Darcy’s value. In his third season, Darcy has become a vital part of one of the AFL’s most formidable forward lines. His impressive height and even greater reach have made him nearly impossible for defenders to stop. With 45 contested marks this season, placing him equal third in the AFL, the 21-year-old looks set to dominate the league for years to come.
In this Rising Star race, Reid and Darcy may not be eligible for the top award, but their performances have been nothing short of outstanding. As the AFL prepares to crown a new star, the depth of talent in the league’s younger ranks is more evident than ever. Whether it’s Dempsey, Wardlaw, Wilson, or Watson who takes home the Ron Evans Medal, the future of AFL looks incredibly bright.
