AFL Rising Star tracker: Every nominee for 2024 season

Geelong excitement machine Oliver Dempsey has surged into favouritism for the Rising Star award, with another contender out of the race due to suspension. See every nominee here.

In an alternate universe, Josh Draper would be one of the best emerging key forwards in the AFL.

Instead, he’s taming them.

The round 20 Rising Star nominee has credited a positional switch from forward to back after he got drafted from Fremantle’s Next Generation Academy as a big reason for his rapid development.

Draper, 20, grew up playing in attack for Peel Thunder, showing his wares as an athletic and impactful key position prospect.

But in his first pre-season, the Dockers transformed Draper into a defender, paving the way for the second-year star to fill the void when Brennan Cox and Oscar McDonald suffered long-term injuries in round one.

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Rising Star nominee Joshua Draper. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“I think it’s been the best decision for me,” Draper said. “It’s been really good for my development and I can see the game from behind the ball and use my athleticism to spoil, mark the ball and get involved in offence.”

Draper has played 16 games since the start of the season and was called upon yet again to replace injured captain Alex Pearce for the Western Derby. He finished with 18 disposals, four marks, three intercept possessions and four score involvements.

Arguably more deserving of the nomination back in round 16 when his last quarter heroics inspired Fremantle to an upset victory over Sydney, Draper has continued to absorb advice from his fellow defensive pillars and was informed of his overdue Rising Star nomination by Luke Ryan after training on Monday.

“It was really special to hear those words from him,” Draper said. “He’s been a big mentor to me.

“He’ll help go through some clips with us and then also on the field, he helps with my bodywork and aerial craft. Also Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox, all the keys have helped me with my game.

“It feels good obviously to get some recognition but I’m going to focus on my role and keep doing my job for the team.

Joshua Draper in action against the Tigers earlier this year. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“I felt very supported (after the Sydney snub) but at the end of the day, I didn’t really care about the award. I just kept going about my work.

“It gave me belief that I could play at the level and when I’m playing to my strengths and playing freely, good things happen. It gave me great confidence.”

Draper also credits his round five bout with Carlton Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow, just his third game of senior football, for developing his internal belief.

“What the guys respect most about him is that he’s playing on some of the best key forwards in the comp,” teammate Caleb Serong said. “He played on Charlie Curnow in his third game.

“To take on that challenge and take it in his stride…he’s continued to get better week in and week out.

“His mindset continues to get better and his growth over the last 12-18 months has been amazing.

“He’s a quiet achiever. You don’t hear much from him during the week but on game day, all of the boys have ultimate trust that he’s going to play the role that he needs to.”