Former Oakleigh Chargers player Andrew Gaff from the West Coast Eagles is the Round 19 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
In the 19-year-old’s ninth AFL match he gathered 31 possessions and took eight marks. He also kicked two goals in the eight-point win against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium last Saturday.
The midfielder debuted in Round One and played six games before a stint with South Fremantle in the WAFL. He returned to the Eagles line-up three weeks ago with fantastic form.
Andrew is the third Eagle to be nominated for the rising star this year following Luke Shuey in Round Two and Jack Darling in Round Six.
West Coast coach John Worsfold said Andrew has what it takes to play at the highest level.
“Andrew has the attributes to be part of the building of a powerful West Coast line-up to help us achieve another run of sustained success.
“He has the right blend of talent and an appetite for the work required to be a top line AFL player,” he said.
Recruited from the Kew Comets Junior Football Club in Melbourne, Andrew was West Coast’s first selection (fourth overall) in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft from the Oakleigh Chargers.
He has represented Vic Metro at both the NAB AFL Under 18 and Under 16 Championships. Andrew was a member of the 2009 AIS-AFL Academy intake and in 2010 he was named an Under 18 All-Australian.
Andrew was a stand-out at the 2010 NAB AFL Combine. He highlighted his endurance posting the best three-kilometre time-trail.
Following each round of the home and away season, a panel of judges will select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2011 NAB AFL Rising Star.
The 2011 NAB AFL Rising Star will receive a personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.
NAB will recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Each of the 24 clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award, a package of practical and financial resources designed to assist them in developing future champions.
The NAB AFL Rising Star is the pinnacle of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.
The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program provides recognition and a clearly identifiable direction for a player's career, and comprises the following elements:
· NAB AFL Rising Star
· NAB AFL Draft
· NAB AFL Draft Combine
· NAB AFL Under 18 Championships
· AIS-AFL Academy
· NAB AFL Under 16 Championships
Last Modified on 02/08/2011 11:10