Gold Coast sensation Jaeger O’Meara is the raging Rising Star favourite, but promising Crow Brad Crouch’s credentials are growing by the week.

O’Meara and Crouch were taken with pick Nos.1 and 2 in the GWS ‘mini-draft’ in late-2012. O’Meara made his debut in Round One and has played every game in a consistent and often electrifying debut season.

Crouch, 19, was made to wait until Round Two to play his first AFL game and has made 10 appearances, with a hamstring injury causing him to miss a month early in the season.

Despite having played fewer games than many of the 2013 nominees, Crouch’s statistics stack up.

In his first 10 games, Crouch has averaged more possessions (23.5) than any other nominee this season.

The clever midfielder, who earned the Round 14 nomination, is also averaging four marks, four tackles and three clearances a game.

This average has increased since the mid-season bye.

In the past six rounds, Crouch has averaged more possessions (26.3) than any of his Crows teammates. Crouch’s total of 158 possessions in this period ranks him 16^th in the AFL. His work rate has also been a feature of late; ranked 13^th in the AFL handball receives (70). He’s also averaged five tackles, four clearances and a goal assist in the last six rounds.

Crouch has collected 28 possessions in each of his past two games and finished runner-up to Port Adelaide half-forward Chad Wingard in the Showdown Medal voting last weekend.

Powerful and skilful, O’Meara has averaged 21.8 possessions (20.8 in his first 10 games), five marks, five tackles and four clearances. He’s also kicked 13 goals compared to Crouch’s two.

Strong-bodied Port Adelaide onballer Ollie Wines has also played every game in 2013. Wines is averaging 19.7 possessions (20.7 in his first 10 games), four marks, four tackles and three clearances. He’s also slotted six goals.

In his third AFL season, North Melbourne utility Aaron Mullett has averaged 19.2 disposals, five marks and two tackles, to go with 13 goals.

Sydney Swans ball magnet Tom Mitchell has only played nine games (including a couple as the substitute) but is averaging 22.2 possessions, four marks, six tackles and two clearances. Mitchell is also averaging just over a goal a game (10).

2013 NAB Rising Star nominees
Round One – Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide)
Round Two – Aaron Mullett (North Melbourne)
Round Three – Jed Anderson (Hawthorn)
Round Four – George Horlin-Smith (Geelong)
Round Five – Jaeger O’Meara (Gold Coast)
Round Six – Bradley Hill (Hawthorn)
Round Seven – Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)
Round Eight – Jackson Macrae (Western Bulldogs)
Round Nine – Sam Kerridge (Adelaide)
Round 10 – Lachie Whitfield (GWS)
Round 11 – Tom Mitchell (Sydney Swans)
Round 12 – Sam Mayes (Brisbane Lions)
Round 13 – Jake Neade (Port Adelaide)
Round 14 – Brad Crouch (Adelaide)
Round 15 – Michael Talia (Western Bulldogs)
Round 16 – Tom Nicholls (Gold Coast)
Round 17 – Adam Tomlinson (GWS)
Round 18 – Marley Williams (Collingwood)
Round 19 – Zach Williams (GWS)