Young Adelaide Crows defender Tom Doedee earns Rising Star nod

TOM Doedee’s patience for a long-awaited AFL berth has been instantly rewarded with the young Adelaide defender receiving a NAB Rising Star nomination after just his second game.

Tom Doedee shows his poise during his second game in the grand final rematch against Richmond. Picture: SARAH REED

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TOM Doedee’s patience for a long-awaited AFL berth has been instantly rewarded with the young Adelaide defender receiving a NAB Rising Star nomination after just his second game.

The 21-year-old, who had to wait for the opening game of 2018 to make his debut after being picked up by the Crows at the 2015 draft, once again impressed in the grand final rematch victory against Richmond.

Laird. Talia. Doedee 🔒 Some goal-saving heroics from our backs last night #weflyasone @RAAofSA pic.twitter.com/pCujh4VHry

— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) March 30, 2018

The 189cm Doedee finished the game with 25 disposals — at a team-high 96 per cent efficiency — including six marks and 11 intercepts.

It comes after a 21-disposal game at 95 per cent efficiency against Essendon.

He becomes the first Crow to be nominated for the award since Wayne Milera in Round 10 last year.

Doedee is the second player from a South Australian team to receive a Rising Star nod in 2018 following the nomination of Port Adelaide halfback and fellow 2015 draftee Riley Bonner in Round 1.

Tom Doedee attempts to spoil Richmond star Jack Riewoldt on Thursday night. Picture SARAH REED

Crows captain Taylor Walker said on Tuesday he always had full confidence Doedee would perform when his time arrived.

“He reads the play really well. A very good intercepter. The way we play, he really helps,” Walker told Triple M radio.

“He’s confident in the air and super clean with the ball. He’s pretty quick and very strong for his size.”

When asked whether he had filled departed Crow Jake Lever’s role, Walker jokingly responded with “Who?” before saying Doedee would carve out his own niche at the Crows.

Ahead of the season, the shock No 17 pick from TAC Cup side Geelong Falcons.and former Victorian junior basketball representative told The Advertiser he was ready to grasp his opportunity in the big league.

“With Lever gone to Melbourne there is a tall defender’s spot open and I want it badly,’’ he said.

“The opportunity is there and there are a few of us fighting for it but after two years of playing SANFL I’m ready to get my shot.

“I felt that I was ready to play last year but the opportunity didn’t come. Now I want to prove that I was drafted at the right spot.’’