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.”
Veni, Vedi, Sherrin Calcitravi
Roar Rookie
Chloe Molloy..
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Good on him. What a blistering start to his footy career. Would've been my pick for Freo, but not to be.
TomC
Roar Guru
Super player.
Patty
Guest
Woohooo!! Well done young fella. Fantastic season for a first year player, made an enormous contribution to the team and our forward line. Bright future ahead for a very worthy recipient.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Well deserved! Got this one right. He's had the biggest impact on of all the Rising Stars.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Well done Jaidyn. First year in the AFL and about to play a finals campaign. Look forward to seeing you move up the ground a bit in 2019 and beyond and use that blistering pace.
berrlins
Roar Pro
My apologies of course, he won it with Brisbane.
berrlins
Roar Pro
Bravo Jaidyn Stephenson well deserved, the headline he's the first pie to win it, didn't Bucks win it as well?