Stay tuned to afc.com.au throughout the afternoon for all the news from the Rising Star event in Melbourne
AFL.com.au reporter Luke Holmesby has interviewed every Rising Star nominee this year and has picked his five most likely candidates, with the third-year Crows defender the most deserving of the eligible candidates.
A record eight Greater Western Sydney players have been nominated for the award, with tall forward Jeremy Cameron the most likely challenger from the AFL's newest club. Midfielder Toby Greene has been the pick of the bunch but is ineligible for the award after he was suspended for one game for engaging in rough conduct against the Brisbane Lions' Jed Adcock in round eight.
With Greene out of the running, here are AFL.com.au's five most likely candidates.
1. Daniel Talia (Adelaide - round 12 nomination)
A third-year player who only just qualifies for the award after playing nine games last year, Talia has slotted in beautifully to a key defensive role after the recent departures of Phil Davis and Nathan Bock, earning the nickname 'Presti' from teammates in recognition of close-checking former Collingwood defender Simon Prestigiacomo. If he does win, Talia will have had the latest nomination of any winner since Justin Koschitzke took out the 2001 award after a round 14 nomination.
What they said about him: "He doesn’t have to get a lot of the ball. His influence on the team is beating his opponent and bringing the ball to ground. With that in mind, he’s doing a fantastic job at the moment. He hasn’t played a lot of footy because of the injury-interrupted start to his career, but once he develops his game, I’m sure he’ll adapt to winning more of the ball." - Adelaide defensive coach Darren Milburn.
2. Jeremy Cameron - (Greater Western Sydney - round 2 nomination)
Was considered the favourite to win the award for much of the early part of the season but missing six games through injury is likely to count against him. Signed by the Giants as a 17-year-old, Cameron was the club's no. 1 forward target as early as the NAB Cup competition this year. Booted a total of 29 goals for the season, including a bag of five against the Western Bulldogs in round four. A strong mark and a long, accurate kick for goal, Cameron looks set to be one of the AFL's gun key forwards for years to come.
What they said: "Cameron might be raw now, but once he gains the body to go with his natural ability and great talent … he's going to be almost unstoppable. The Giants possess a large contingent of extremely promising youngsters, but Jeremy Cameron may just be the best of the lot." - former Richmond champion and media commentator Matthew Richardson.
3. Mitch Wallis (Western Bulldogs - round 4 nomination)
After managing just the six games in his debut season, Wallis cemented himself in the Bulldogs team, averaging 22.3 possessions across 19 games, the highest possession average of any eligible rising star candidate. Wallis' work rate and poise make him a genuine potential star at the Bulldogs.
What they said: "You won't see much difference from what Sam Mitchell was producing at that age to what Mitch is now," - Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney after the Bulldogs' round 16 loss to Hawthorn.
4. Steven Motlop (Geelong - round 6 nomination)
The latest off the Motlop production line seems to be every bit as talented as older brothers Shannon and Daniel. After getting a taste of senior action in 2011 with four senior games, Motlop took his game to a new level, kicking 25 goals from his 21 games and establishing himself as a key player in Geelong's side.
What they said: "We have been extremely impressed with his run which is vital to our side. He has been able to overcome injury and it is great to see him rewarded with a (Rising Star) nomination." - Geelong coach Chris Scott
5. Adam Treloar (Greater Western Sydney - round 18 nomination)
Had to wait a while for his acknowledgement, which didn't come until round 18, but he has been one of the most consistent of the young Giants players. His hardness at the contest and elite kicking has made him stand out among some accomplished young players. Only played 18 games for the season but averaged 21.1 possessions and was one of the Giants' most consistent players for the season.
What they said: “Last year he had to work through a lot of injury frustrations, but he’s been able to come back strong and is now starting to really gain his confidence and play very well. He’s been terrific for the team." - GWS coach Kevin Sheedy
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.
