Impressive youngsters set to miss out on Rising Star Award nominations

THERE are four rounds to go and more impressive youngsters still waiting for a Rising Star nomination. Who should get a gong and who could miss out?

WHO will win the final four Rising Star nominations of 3018?

Magpie Jaidyn Stephenson is a red-hot favourite to win the award despite a late run from Richmond’s Jack Higgins and Lion Alex Witherden.

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But securing a nomination is still a feather in the cap for the competition’s young players and club recruiters, so the final four spots will be very tightly contested.

There are a number of impressive youngsters yet to receive the nod, and there aren’t enough games left for them all to get one.

Essendon’s Matt Guelfi has played 13 games, averaging 16 disposals, after being overlooked in two national drafts.

Young Bomber Matt Guelfi. Picture: Michael Klein

First-year Geelong forward Lachlan Fogarty. Picture: Michael Klein

Charlie Spargo was the youngest player selected in last year’s draft but has played 11 games for Melbourne, booting 10 goals and laying 41 tackles.

Cat Lachie Fogarty (13 games), Hawk James Worpel (32 disposals against Carlton) and Saint Nick Coffield (nine games) are also yet to be nominated.

Kangaroo Paul Ahern just misses out on the award criteria because he was 21 at the start of the season. First-year stars Tim Kelly, Bailey Fritsch and Brody Mihocek are also ineligible.

2018 RISING STAR NOMINEES

R1 Riley Bonner (PA)

R2 Tom Doedee (Adel)

R3 Sam Murray (Coll)

R4 Jaidyn Stephenson (Coll)

R5 Ben Long (StK)

R6 Jake Waterman (WC)

R7 Jack Henry (Geel)

R8 Ben Ronke (Syd)

R9 Alex Witherden (BL)

R10 Ed Richards (WB)

R11 Oliver Florent (Syd)

R12 Brennan Cox (Frem)

R13 Hunter Clark (StK)

R14 Paddy Dow (Carl)

R15 Cam Rayner (BL)

R16 Adam Cerra (Frem)

R17 Sam Taylor (GWS)

R18 Jack Higgins (Rich)

R19 Tom Cole (WC)

Melbourne’s Charlie Spargo celebrates a goal. Picture: Michael Klein

YET TO BE NOMINATED

Charlie Spargo (Melb)

Matt Guelfi (Ess)

James Worpel (Haw)

Lachie Fogarty (Geel)

Andrew Brayshaw (Frem)

Darcy Fogarty (Adel)

Nick Coffield (StK)

Josh Battle (StK)

Quinton Narkle (Geel)

Stefan Giro (Frem)

Tom McCartin (Syd)

Lochie O’Brien (Carl)

TAB ODDS

$1.80 Jayden Stephenson

$4.50 Alex Witherden

$8.00 Tom Doedee

$11.00 Ben Ronke

$15.00 Oliver Florent

$17.00 Cam Rayner

$21.00 Jack Higgins, Ed Richards

Originally published as Impressive youngsters set to miss out on Rising Star Award nominations