With two rounds left to play in 2016, the race for the NAB Rising Star Award is down to two players, Callum Mills of the Sydney Swans and Caleb Daniel of the Western Bulldogs.
Mills is surely now a lock-in for the Ron Evans medal if Saturday night is anything to go by, and you can see why Sydney were keen to lock down their second Academy graduate in as many years.
Much was made of the Swans’ 15 goal-to-four demolition on the Saints on Saturday night, including the return to form for Buddy Franklin and the midfield dominance of Hannebery, Kennedy and Parker.
Further, Aliir Aliir is now clearly a cult hero, and Dane Rampe and ‘Reg’ Grundy keep marching on in their understated way towards deserved All-Australian nominations.
In this mix, what separates Mills from the rest of the ‘class of 2016′ is that he is a centrepiece in the stingiest defence in the competition.
He has had to play a number of roles, on occasion as a key defender or performing in a rebounding flanker. His ability to lay key tackles and courageously go back with the flight of the ball are outstanding traits, topped off with a disposal efficiency of 78 per cent for the season.
However, and most impressively for a first season player, he has improved and grown as the season has gone on. Saturday night’s 27 possessions and five scoring involvements were testimony to his class and how he has built into 2016.
Of the other candidates, Caleb Daniel is yapping at the heels of the nineteen year-old Swan.
Unlike Mills, Daniel played ten matches last year, and this season has seen a marked improvement, nearly doubling in output across most of the key stats. An average of 13 disposals in 2015 has increased to 21 with a 77 per cent disposal efficiency.
The shortest player in the AFL has also had to play through a season with an injury ravaged side, and has been a beacon of consistency.
In many ways, Daniel epitomises the Dog’s superb running game, and he is an important cog in the wonderful overlap run the Bulldogs create through the centre, where his headgear is a signature stand-out in the thick of the Doggies’ run and carry.
Of the remaining young guns, honourable mentions to Jacob Weitering of Carlton and Darcy Parish of the Bombers. They have shown they certainly have bright futures, but have fallen off the pace at times in poor sides as the year has gone on.
So in what is shaping as another serious tilt at the flag for the red and white, the NAB Rising Star looks like the first medallion heading to the Harbour City in 2016.
Stewie
Guest
Like they did after 2014? The only really important players whose contracts expire in the next year are Kennedy and Heeney, we've already signed up everyone else. That's assuming Tom Mitchell will leave (which I'm totally fine with)
Ironmonger
Guest
Good call. I was thinking he could be Hodge-like forcSwans...they better win the GF this year or they could see a lot of talent jump ship
Kiama Chris
Guest
JPK's replacement will more likely be Hewett. He has the build and the instincts. I see Mills as being more of an organiser and distributor, think Macca but better. Or Hodge. Heeney will be an inside/outside mid, more like Hannebery or Parker. All year Mills has been in or close to the top 10 best players every game. There's a big chance he will finish in the top 10 Skilton Medal IN HIS FIRST YEAR. He should romp in the Rising Star if the judges have any idea. No disrespect to the other guys who are all stars, but Mills is head and shoulders above them (figuratively speaking).
Stewie
Guest
Wrong, Mills will finish as an inside mid. Mills had pick 3 bidded on him playing as an inside midfielder. That's higher than any other midfielder in his draft class. He's never played as a defender before this year, and whilst he'll keep his role as a rebounding defender for the short to medium term, once Jack, McVeigh, and especially Kennedy go, look for Mills to go inside and absolutely tear s**t up. In 2014, Mills played a game for the Sydney Swans reserves and racked up 40 touches. That was as a 17 year old.
david graham
Guest
You are right there Pumping Dougie. I remember you well from the old Footscray District days of under age footy. You were a gentleman even then and I recall you complementing players from our team - Albion- even when Braybrook thrashed us! Good of you to not be so partisan.
swift foetus
Guest
two future champs, love watching mills n daniel play their games
Dodgy
Guest
I think Mills has found his best position although he would be pretty efffective ona wing too. He is at his most damaging using his marking skills as a rebound defender. I don't think i've ever seen a more consitent first year player. Caleb Daniels is a great link player for the Dogs. He must go close to 100% disposal efficiency most games. Good foresight by the Dogs for drafting him despite his lack of height.
mattyb
Guest
Pretty good article. I tend to agree with you and Dougie above. Mills should win with Daniel second. Both have had great years and either would be a worthy winner.
Stewie
Guest
And this is for a guy who has never played in that position before this year. Just you wait until he takes a midfield spot. Actually kinda can't wait for Tom Mitchell to leave. Our midfield is a bit inside heavy, and putting Heeney in there a bit more will be a great boost, assuming we get something damn good for Titch.
Sydneygirl
Guest
Good mark and gutsy as they come, that's Callum Mills. Would be a deserving winner. Has held down a hard spot all year. There is a lot to like about Caleb Daniels and the way he plays footy too. But Mills for mine.
harry houdini
Roar Rookie
Very strong mark, every bit as good as Heeney, maybe better
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
As good as Caleb Daniel has been, I'd give the Rising Star to Mills. He's been very composed, consistent and impressive.