Every AFL season we see numerous first-year players burst onto the scene and make an immediate impact for their club. And at the end of each season, the best young player is recognised as the AFL Rising Star.
To be eligible for the Rising Star award, a player must be 20 or younger on January 1st of that year, and must have only played 10 or fewer AFL games as of the start of the season. If a player is suspended during the season, they’re ineligible to win the award.
In 2022 there were plenty of exciting young players tear up the competition, however, none more so than Collingwood’s Nick Daicos, who was unanimously voted among the judging panel as the AFL Rising Star. The father-son prospect was incredible his first campaign, and even led his team with an impressive 11 Brownlow votes.
There are plenty of young players expected to do big things in 2023, so let’s take a look at the top 10 contenders for this season’s AFL Rising Star. Odds are provided with thanks to TAB.
2023 AFL Rising Star Contenders
1. Will Ashcroft BRI ($2.00 at TAB) – Touted as this year’s Nick Daicos, Brisbane’s Will Ashcroft is the red-hot favourite to become the 31st winner of the Rising Star award. Also like Daicos, Ashcroft was a father-son selection in the recent draft. Will is the son of Marcus Ashcroft – a 318 gamer and triple premiership player for the Brisbane Bears/Lions. Will Ashcroft absolutely tore up the NAB League last year when averaging 34 disposals a game, and even dominated against men in Round 21 of the VFL last season when he had 32 disposals, six tackles, and a goal against Sandringham. This kid is a star.
2. Finn Callaghan GWS ($8.00 at TAB) – Pick #3 in the 2021 draft, Finn Callaghan is poised for a breakout season in year two. He’s been super impressive on the wing in the preseason for the Giants and will get plenty of opportunity in the middle of the ground after the departures of Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. Callaghan has a slicing left boot and is certainly one to watch in 2023.
3. Sam Darcy WB ($10.00 at TAB) – We finally got a taste of Sam Darcy late last season when he made his debut in Round 21, and he went on to play four straight games in his rookie campaign. Darcy is a big specimen at 204cm and might take some time to grow into his body like most big men do, but the talent is obvious and he could certainly make an impact for the Bulldogs this season.
4. Harry Sheezel NM ($13.00 at TAB) – North Melbourne are excited by all the early signs shown by their pick #3 from the 2022 draft in Harry Sheezel. Recruited as a forward, the 18-year-old has already shown his versatility for the Kangaroos when playing down back at times in the preseason and impressing with his ball use and decision making. He seemingly has all the talent in the world, but where exactly he’ll play under Alistair Clarkson remains to be seen. Regardless, he’s one to keep an eye on this season.
5. Cameron Mackenzie HAW ($17.00 at TAB) – A top 10 pick from last year’s draft, Cameron Mackenzie has quickly come into Rising Star contention on the back of a superb preseason showing. Mackenzie was one of the best on ground in their practice match against the Magpies, finishing with 24 disposals and a goal. Importantly, he attended 19 centre bounces in that game (second most for the Hawks) which shows us he’s going to get plenty of opportunity around the ball this season.
6. Jacob Van Rooyen MEL ($17.00 at TAB) – Into his second season with the Demons, Jacob Van Rooyen will be eyeing off his AFL debut in 2023. The 193cm prospect looks to have swingman capabilities and could help fill the void left by Luke Jackson.
7. Reuben Ginbey WCE ($18.00 at TAB) – 18-year-old Reuben Ginbey is an exciting young player for the Eagles. He’s got good size at 191cm and showed he can play both down back and in the midfield when starring for East Perth last year. Ginbey was also WA’s MVP in the under-18 championships, and the early signs are he’ll be right in the mix for an early debut in 2023.
8. Aaron Cadman GWS ($19.00 at TAB) – The #1 pick in the 2022 draft, Aaron Cadman is expected to be the best key position player of his draft year. He led the NAB League goal kicking with 34 goals in 12 matches last year, and also had the most disposals of any key forward in the under-18 championships, which shows he can do more than just hit the scoreboard. Interestingly, Cadman was an emergency in the Giants only practice match, which suggests he still has a bit of work to do to earn a spot in their best 22.
9. Bailey Humphrey GC ($19.00 at TAB) – Goal Coast captain Touk Miller has labelled Bailey Humphrey a “special talent”, and that’s high praise from one of the game’s best. Humphrey was the #6 pick in the 2022 draft and has the ability to play both midfield and forward. He should be in line for an early debut this season.
10. Mattaes Phillipou STK ($19.00 at TAB) – Another top 10 pick from last year’s draft, Mattaes Phillipou is expected to be an impact player in his rookie campaign. The athletic midfield/forward oozes confidence and natural ability. He’s right in the mix for a Round 1 debut after an impressive showing in the preason.
AFL Rising Star Bet
Will Ashcroft is favourite for a reason. He’s expected to get bulk midfield minutes for a contending team, and his talent level is obviously very high. The other two players I can see having very good seasons are Finn Callaghan and Cameron Mackenzie. Callaghan now has two pre-seasons under his belt at this level and is expected to enjoy a breakout season on the wing, while Mackenzie looked superb on the ball in the Hawks’ preseason games and will get ample opportunity to thrive in a rebuilding team.
Make sure to check out our AFL Tips page regularly to stay up to date with all of our best bets for the 2023 season. Happy punting!
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