Will Setterfield, Darcy Fogarty, Sam Walsh among 2019’s top Rising Star contenders

Will it be a young gun from the 2018 draft crop or a semi-familiar face who takes out the 2019 Rising Star? As clubs ramp up their training, we’ve looked at the standout contenders to take out next year’s award. HAVE YOUR SAY

Will it be a young gun from the 2018 draft crop or a semi-familiar face who takes out the 2019 Rising Star?

Of the past 14 winners, only two have been drafted outside the first round.

Meanwhile, a player to enter a season having already made his debut hasn’t won the award since Adelaide’s Daniel Talia in 2012.

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With lists all but finalised for next season and players hitting the track for pre-season training, we’ve taken a look at the major contenders for 2019.

RETURNING PLAYERS

Will Setterfield (Carlton) $9 TAB

This kid is due some good luck. After being taken with pick 5 in the 2016 national draft, Will Setterfield’s injury resume already features an ankle syndesmosis strain, shoulder issues, concussions and, to cap it all off, an ACL. But after an off-season move from GWS to Carlton, the 20-year-old is confident all that is behind him. He is aiming to be training with the main group by Christmas and has his eyes locked on a Round 1 debut in his new colours. Setterfield only played two games in his time with the Giants but, on paper, is one of the most well credentialled carry over players to be Rising Star eligible.

Will Setterfield in action at Carlton training. Picture: Michael Klein

Esava Ratugolea (Geelong) $13 TAB

After seven games, Geelong forward Esava Ratugolea had seven goals to his name from 14 shots and was proving a headache for opposition defenders. How many goals would he have ended up kicking had he not broken his ankle? The big Cat has recovered from last year’s blow and is back in training, eyeing a Round 1 return. There is no doubt Geelong’s forward line looked better when Ratugolea was in it, boasting a 6-2 record in those eight games. Magpie Jaidyn Stephenson won last season’s Rising Star after kicking 38 goals. If Ratugolea can get into the 40-45 region, he will be in the mix.

Darcy Fogarty (Adelaide) $13 TAB

Darcy Fogarty was one of the big sliders of the 2017 draft, falling to Adelaide at pick 12 after being a projected top five selection for most of his draft year.

The Crows certainly weren’t complaining though, with the young forward showing plenty of encouraging signs in his first season.

Playing in an injury depleted side, Fogarty booted nine goals across his opening 10 games, prompting Port Adelaide premiership skipper Warren Tredrea to label him a budding superstar.

However, once Taylor Walker and Tom Lynch returned from injury, Fogarty finished the year in the SANFL.

Fogarty just sneaks in to be eligible for 2019’s award and with two pre-seasons and a full season under his belt, will be a leading contender.

Darcy Fogarty showed plenty of good signs at the Crows this year. Picture: Sarah Reed

Shai Bolton (Richmond) $34 TAB

It has been an awkward start to Shai Bolton’s AFL career. He is too good for the VFL but, due to Richmond’s incredible depth, the exciting forward hasn’t been able to get a good run in the seniors. Will 2019 be the year he strings a bunch of games together? Bolton was jumped in the queue by Jack Higgins last season, who after 15 goals and plenty of highlights, will be ahead of him again in 2019. Meanwhile, adding more competition for a spot in the team, Dan Butler will return after injury ended his season at Round 16. Bolton is clearly committed to the Tigers after signing a contract extension a few months ago.

Jack Scrimshaw (Hawthorn) $19 TAB

Things didn’t work out at the Gold Coast for 2016’s No. 7 draft pick Jack Scrimshaw, who managed just four games in two years. But will a change of scenery be just what he needs to kick start his AFL career? Scrimshaw was part of a Hawthorn trade trifecta, joining Tom Scully and Chad Wingard in the brown and gold. Likened to Grant Birchall when he was coming through the draft, Hawthorn could be just the place for him to find his feet. However, that may start in the VFL.

Aiden Bonar (GWS) $17 TAB

There were plenty of big names to exit the Giants in the off-season, which means spots are there to be filled. From the side that lost to Collingwood in the semi-final, Aiden Bonar is a likely in. Still a teenager, the 2017 first-round draft pick had to wait until Round 20 to get his first crack at senior action last year. However, he didn’t look out of place on the big stage, kicking five goals in his first three games. Can Bonar consistently bring that type of forward line x-factor next year? He will be given every chance to make a spot his own.

NEW FACES

Sam Walsh (Carlton) $7 TAB

If you like an omen bet then this one is for you. Earlier this year, Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield declared Sam Walsh was the next Joel Selwood. Flashback to 2007 and it was Selwood who was declared the Rising Star winner after a seamless transition from TAC Cup football to the big time. Will history repeat itself with Walsh? There is no doubt this kid is ready to go after averaging 29.5 disposals, 4.5 clearances, seven tackles and 142 SuperCoach points throughout the national championships.

Sam Walsh (centre) will get every chance to showcase his talents at the Blues. Picture: AAP Images

Bailey Smith (Western Bulldogs) $17 TAB

Bailey Smith has all the tools to make an immediate impact at the Western Bulldogs after he was snapped up with pick 7 last week. If you need any proof that Smith can rack up the touches, he averaged 176 SuperCoach points across his two TAC games this year and was named Vic Metro’s MVP throughout the national carnival. When it comes to Smith, one thing is for sure, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge will have no hesitation playing him if he is ready. The club’s 2017 top pick Aaron Naughton played 18 games last season while Ed Richards played 21.

Izak Rankine (Gold Coast) $11 TAB

Izak Rankine could have been the No. 1 pick in plenty of drafts. And it is easy to see why with the young Sun being likened to Adelaide great Andrew McLeod. If he can live up to that hype come Round 1, this kid will be in the Rising Star mix for his highlights alone. Rankine is no doubt going to get games with the struggling Suns but will the club’s on-field results make it harder for him to stand out? Gold Coast has had two Rising Star nominations in the last three years.

Izak Rankine in action at Gold Coast training. Picture: Getty Images

Jack Lukosius/Max King (Gold Coast/St Kilda) $13/$34 TAB

Like Rankine, these two key forwards in Jack Lukosius and Max King will see plenty of senior footy in 2019. But winning the Rising Star as a key forward is a big ask. Jesse Hogan was the last man to do it in 2015 while before him, you have to go back to Nick Riewoldt in 2002.

OTHER CHANCES

Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne) $13

Sam Taylor (GWS) $15

Nick Coffield (St Kilda) $17

Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) $26

Nick Blakey (Sydney) $26

Originally published as Will Setterfield, Darcy Fogarty, Sam Walsh among 2019’s top Rising Star contenders