AFL South Coast Rising Star Nominees – Round 1

AFL South Coast is pleased to announce the Round 1 Rising Stars from last weekend, who just so happen have more than just their nominations in common…

 

Men’s Round One Rising Star nominee

Name:  Joel Preston

Club:  Wollongong Lions

Age: 17

Nickname:  Presto / Prestud

Position:  Midfield / Half Forward

Jumper Number: 27

Junior Club:  Wollongong Lions

Senior Games Played Before 2019: 4

Favourite activity to do outside of football:  Photography

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field?  Helping anyway he can for both the men’s and women’s teams and getting everyone in the involved in the game

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Being the lesser half to the Women’s Round 1 Rising Star nominee Lauren Myers

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing?  Binge watching any AFL game on TV

Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Superstitions are dumb… No!

Reason for nomination this round: In just his fifth game of Senior football, Joel showed his exceptional talent in the Lions Round 1 victory over the Bulldogs where he was named among the best players. Joel’s high quality game was highlighted by his willingness to put his head over the footy and get his hands on the nut – no mean feat when you are the youngest player on the field! Showing great skills, Joel showed a great ability to bring other players into the game to cap off an excellent performance.

Coaches quote on Nomination: “Joel is a terrific young player. After four season games in 2018, I am excited about what he can add to our side for the season ahead. Joel’s dedication to training and working on his craft is exceptional. Despite being only 17 years of age, Joel already displays strong leadership qualities when at training and around the group and I am really excited to see Joel continue to develop across the season.”

 

Women’s Round One Rising Star nominee

Name: Lauren Myers

Club: Wollongong Lions

Age: 16

Nickname: Loz

Position: Half Back / Midfield

Jumper Number: 4

Junior Club: Wollongong Lions (although hasn’t played a game with them as yet!)

Senior Games Played Before 2019: 12

Favourite activity to do outside of football: Keeping active by doing other sports like Triathlon

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Flashy boots and being a pest with the other younger girls

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Engine room player

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Eating Pasta and catching up on sleep

Do they have any pre-game superstitions? I’m too busy to worry about superstitions

Reason for nomination this round: After a slow start by the Lions in their Round 1 match against the Bulldogs, Lauren was influential in altering the momentum of the game with plenty of possessions through the midfield and across halfback. Her skills and endeavour for the football saw the Lions turn around a quarter time deficit to run away with the win where Lauren was named Best for her team.

Coaches quote on Nomination: “Lauren was relentless in her effort in the first game of the season against a physical opposition. She was proactive in all endeavours during the game, consistently providing run and carry and supporting team mates. Her level of skill execution was high and her attitude was positive. Lauren continue to develop as a footballer and has a big future ahead of her in the sport.”

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