RISING STARS TO WATCH IN THE AFL FINALS
* RICHMOND: JACK GRAHAM. The 20-year-old already has starred on the biggest stage of all: kicking three goals and quelling Adelaide’s Rory Sloane in last year’s grand final win. Composed beyond his 21-games experience and can be deployed as a tagger or genuine ball-winner.
* WEST COAST: LIAM RYAN. A topsy-turvy debut season because of injury and off-field concerns. But the 10-gamer appears to be hitting his straps again and has the talent for a breakout September. A ripping player to watch when he’s flying for a mark or zooming around at ground level.
* COLLINGWOOD: JAIDYN STEPHENSON. The Rising Star winner has produced a stunning debut season of consistent excellence, kicking 34 goals and playing every home-and-away game. Uncanny goal sense has stamped him as a genuine weapon.
* HAWTHORN: JAMES WORPEL. Impressive in his nine AFL games in a debut season, slotting in seamlessly to become a valued midfield cog. The 19-year-old has collected 23 or more disposals in his past six games and demonstrates a cool head which belies his inexperience.
* MELBOURNE: SAM WEIDEMAN. The 21-year-old has grasped his chance to fill the tall forward void left by Jesse Hogan’s injury. Has fine pedigree, with father Mark playing for Collingwood and grandfather Murray captaining the Magpies’ 1958 premiership side.
* SYDNEY: WILL HAYWARD. The smooth-moving 19-year-old has become a mainstay since debuting last year. Has booted 28 goals this year and played every home-and-away. The 39-gamer has that rare quality of finding time and space when others can’t.
* GWS: HARRY HIMMELBERG. Has emerged as a renowned forward target. With assured goalkicking and safe marking hands, the 22-year-old moves with remarkable mobility for a 194cm tall player. Has kicked 14 goals in his last six games.
* GEELONG: TIM KELLY. The 24-year-old has put together an outstanding debut AFL season, averaging 23 disposals and showing sheer class when in possession. Has also kicked 23 goals in playing every home-and-away game and has added another dimension to Geelong’s midfield.
