In what will come as no surprise for football people across the country today Daniel Rich of the Brisbane Lions has been voted the 2009 NAB Rising Star. Rich won the award receiving the maximum 5 votes from all nine judges. Andy Otten of the Crows came in second on 30 votes while Tayte Pears was third with 28 points.
The award caps of a stellar season for the young lion who played all 22 home and away matches. The 19 year old West Australian played for Subiaco in the WAFL and won two senior premierships while at the club. He becomes the third consecutive player picked at 7 in the national draft who has gone on the win the Rising Star award.
Described by many as a young Michael Voss the stocky midfielder certainly showed why in his debut AFL season. He has averaged 17.7 disposals per game this season and has shown his ability to win the hard ball. Kicked 13 goals in 2009 and laid an impressive 99 tackles during the season. He also is ranked 9th in the league for inside 50s with 102 for the season. On two occasions this season he reached over 30 possessions in a game which is generally quite difficult even for some established players.
This will only be the beginning for Rich with a bright future ahead for this young star. He now embarks upon his first appearance in finals this week and will hope to play many more for the lions in years to come. Contestedfooty would like to congratulate Rich on an outstanding season and we all look forward to watching his rise through the football ranks.
Tags: Daniel Rich, NAB Rising Star
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