Jaidyn Stephenson, Alex Witherden, Tom Doedee in three-way race for 2018 Rising Star Award

JAIDYN Stephenson is a lock for the Rising Star Award — if you ask Nathan Buckley. Chris Fagan disagrees, and there is another interstate player who can’t be counted out. So who wins?

AFL Rising Star contenders Alex Witherden, Jaidyn Stephenson, Tom Doedee.

COLLINGWOOD’S Jaidyn Stephenson wrapped up this year’s Rising Star Award with another brilliant performance against Brisbane — at least if you listen to Nathan Buckley.

“Yeah, I would be disappointed (if he doesn’t win it),” Buckley said after the teenager’s 25-disposal, two-goal game, adding “but I reckon every coach would be disappointed if their prospect was in the mix and didn’t win it.

MALTHOUSE: THE BIGGEST MYTHS IN FOOTY

LIVE LADDER: HOW CATS CAN MISS SEPTEMBER

“That was his (Stephenson’s) highest possession game … he’s just continued to find levels that he’s been asked,” Buckley said.

“You get worked out a little bit early in your career … I think Jaidyn's been able to take strides through those stages throughout the year and continually have an impact for us.

“We thought we would have to manage him throughout the year and we have, probably through the week and the mid-season bye helps, but he just keeps backing up and if he has a quiet one, he generally pops up the next week.”

Jaidyn Stephenson snaps at goal. Picture: Michael Klein

But not everyone agrees with Buckley, starting with Brisbane coach Chris Fagan.

Fagan pumped up the chances of his young defender Alex Witherden, who is second-favourite in TAB markets behind Stephenson, after he racked up 30 touches against the Magpies.

“It’s interesting ‘Bucks’ says that because I’d say the same thing about Alex Witherden, albeit it’s a little bit different because he’s a second-year player,” Fagan said post-game.

“But if you look at his numbers, I think Alex averages around 24-25 possessions as a rebound defender. They’re the sort of numbers that get people selected in All-Australian teams.”

Witherden played nine matches last year but is still eligible to win under the Rising Star rules.

“He’s been elite over the course of two seasons, so it’ll be an interesting battle (for the Rising Star award) between those two.

“Bucks sees his boy every week and I see Alex every week and he’s been fantastic.”

Meanwhile, another player quietly putting together an outstanding resume is Adelaide defender Tom Doedee.

Impressive second-year Lion Alex Witherden.

Adelaide’s Tom Doedee has had a fantastic year. Picture: Sarah Reed

He had 12 disposals and seven marks against GWS last night but holding down centre half-back for a finals contender in his first season — and ranking eighth in the AFL for total intercepts — has to count for something.

RISING STAR CONTENDERS
Jaidyn Stephenson (Collingwood)

Games: 20

Av disposals: 12.8

Av marks: 4

Goals: 30

SuperCoach av: 64.9

Alex Witherden (Brisbane Lions)

Games: 20

Av disposals: 23.4

Av marks: 7.5

Goals: 1

SuperCoach av: 87.3

Tom Doedee (Adelaide)

Games: 19

Av disposals: 17.9

Av marks: 5.4

Goals: 2

SuperCoach av: 82.4

Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >