Essendon’s Rising Star award goes to a player who shows an ability to adapt to life in the AFL. Candidates are judged on their physical and mental resilience as well as their on-field performance.
The winner must also be in his first two years at the Club and under the age of 21.
The award will be presented on Crichton Medal night. Secure your tickets here.
Leading contenders
Kyle Langford
The 18 year old played eight games in his first season in the AFL. The Dons were delighted to pick him up with slection number 17 in last year’s draft and they wasted little time exposing him to senior football.
Langford made his debut in round five against St Kilda, picking up 12 possessions. A fortnight later he showed he has courage to match his talent when he went back with the flight of the ball against North Melbourne.
After spending most of the season in the forward half, Langford picked up 13 possessions in the midfield against Collingwood in round 23.
Jayden Laverde
Like Langford, Laverde was a highly prized pick-up in the 2014 National Draft.
The former Eastern Ranger had to wait until round 15 to make his debut, but he didn’t lose his spot after that, finishing with nine games to his name.
On a dark night for the Bombers against Adelaide, Laverde shone brightest, accumulating 20 possessions and providing a constant target at half forward.
Lloyd on Langford and Laverde
“I’ve loved what I’ve seen around the Club from those two. I’ve seen so many kids get drafted and they spend their first year like it’s a honeymoon period where they’re just happy to be on the list, but don’t really look to make much of an impact. But those two have walked in, they’ve wanted to play AFL footy straight away and they’re really contributed well at AFL level.
Orazio Fantasia
A mid-season quad injury threatened to derail Fantasia’s season, but the 19 year old rebounded strongly.
After playing two games before the bye, he was recalled to the senior team in round 21 against Gold Coast. He kicked two pivotal last quarter goals including his first in the AFL.
In the Bombers final home and away match, Fantasia collected 27 possessions and was nominated for the AFL’s Rising Star award.
Zach Merrett
The Cobden native played the first 17 games of the season before a foot injury ended his year.
Merrett showed no signs of second year blues as he averaged an extra seven possessions per game in 2015.
His most prolific performance came in round two against Hawthorn when the 19 year old had 31 disposals and played a leading role in the side’s memorable win.
