Jaidyn Stephenson has thanked Collingwood for having faith in him after becoming their first AFL Rising Star winner.
The 19-year-old forward polled 52 votes, finishing 10 ahead of Adelaide defender Tom Doedee.
Brisbane’s Alex Witherden was third on 32 votes.
The Magpies recruited Stephenson with pick No.6 in last year’s national draft, despite the teenager having a rare heart condition.
“Obviously leading up to the draft it was pretty tough times and my family and I didn’t know if I was going to be drafted,” he said.
“On draft night I said I had to repay the faith to Collingwood.
“I was ecstatic they picked me and this is the first two per cent of me paying them back – there is still a long way to go.
“I’m not much of a crier but I did tear up that night – pure relief.”
Stephenson has had an immediate impact, playing every game this season kicking 34 goals, fourth-best at Collingwood.
He has become a key member of the Magpies’ recast forward line, which has been much more effective this season.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley was at Brisbane when he won the first Rising Star award in 1993.
“Very few players play every match in their first season and fewer still consistently excite and delivery like he has,” Buckley said.
“We thought, being a teenager, that he would tire.
“But he kept presenting a compelling case to be picked, kept making things happen, kept kicking goals and helping our forward system tick.”
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