AFL Rising Star tracker: Every nominee for 2024 season

Oliver Dempsey headlines a red-hot field in the running for this year’s Rising Star award — minus two big names who were suspended. See every nominee and their stats here.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley claimed he would be a “bad judge” if teenager Logan Evans didn’t receive the round 24 Rising Star nomination.

Just like his side in the back half of the season, Hinkley’s bold claim was vindicated as the 18-year-old’s impressive 23-disposal game in the win over Fremantle earned him the final recognition of the year.

It was a peculiar game from Evans who was easily one of the Power’s best, with each of his 23 disposals coming off the boot.

“After the game, the boys just said, ‘Didn’t really feel like handballing the ball, did I?’,” Evans said.

“For me, I just play what is in front of me and play the game. So whatever is given to me is what I’m going to take. I felt like I used the ball well, I felt like I took the right options. And if that’s 23 kicks, I guess it’s what I’ll do again.”

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Each of Evans’s 23 disposals against the Dockers came off the boot. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

After being selected in the mid-season rookie draft following four promising games for Norwood, Evans has cemented himself as an important part of Port’s defence. He has now played 10 games, averaging 16 touches a game and is gearing up for his first AFL finals series when he was focusing on his SANFL career as recently as mid-June.

“It’s gone pretty quick the last four months, I reckon,” Evans said. “I’m just so grateful for the opportunity Port has given me and really grateful for how the boys have made this feel like home already.

“It’s pretty exciting team-wise. I think like every other team this year, because it’s been such an evenly spread comp, I don’t think any team has had a really good run. Even Sydney sitting in first, they had a month block where they weren’t playing some great footy.

“So we’ve just stuck together, making sure we’re actually enjoying our footy and enjoying being around each other. Playing for each other, and not just for ourselves has been a big factor in us securing second place.”

The Power now have the perfect chance to claim a flag under Hinkley after locking up a top-two spot in the win against the Dockers.

After debuting in the 79-point loss to the Lions at home, Evans has cemented his place in a side right in premiership contention. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It’s a far cry from their massive home loss to Brisbane, which also doubled as Evans’s AFL debut. He’s had the best seat in the house to see how things have turned around since and he’s confident the Power’s best is good enough to win on the final Saturday in September.

“We were pretty happy after the game yesterday, we all hung around after the game,” Evans said.

“I think we showed at the start of the year against Essendon and some others that when we play well and we play consistent footy, we are up there with the best teams in the comp.

“Brissie was a good reminder that when we’re off and another team’s on, anything can happen. But the care for each other, the want to win for each other and play for each other is our big driver amongst the group. And if everyone sticks with it, we will drive it together.”

The Rising Star will be named during the AFL Awards on Thursday night.

Originally published as AFL Rising Star tracker: Every nominee for 2024 season