AFL Rising Star 2023: North Melbourne's Harry Sheezel awarded 2023 honour

Bryn Wakefield

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AFL Rising Star 2023: North Melbourne's Harry Sheezel awarded 2023 honour image

Buckley, Cousins, Goodes, Riewoldt, Selwood.

It doesn't have the prestige of some of the game's other individual honours, but it has marked the beginning of some truly glittering careers.

The NAB Rising Star recognises the talents set to light up the competition for years to come.

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2023 Rising Star winner

North Melbourne star Harry Sheezel has been named the 2023 Rising Star, after a standout debut season. 

Sheezel broke the disposals record for a first-year player, winning 27 possessions per game as a half back flanker. 

The 18-year-old got the nod over Brisbane's Will Ashcroft (2nd) and St Kilda's Mitch Owens (3rd) who both produced outstanding years. 

Leaderboard: 

1. Harry Sheezel
2. Will Ashcroft
3. Mitch Owens

2023 Rising Star nominees

Round 24 -  Eddie Ford (North Melbourne)

The Kangaroos have their third Rising Star nominee, with tall Eddie Ford taking out the Round 24 honours. 

In his third season, Ford has established himself in the North Melbourne forward line, playing 14 games and kicking 16 goals across the year. 

The 21-year-old slotted three majors against Gold Coast, while winning 18 disposals and snatching eight marks. 

Round 23 - Matthew Johnson (Fremantle)

Young midfielder Matthew Johnson has played 17 games for Fremantle in his debut season, showing great potential as a 193cm onballer. 

Playing in an outside midfield role, Johnson collected 19 disposals at 90% efficiency against Port Adelaide, while also taking seven marks. 

The strong performance has earned the 20-year-old the Round 23 Rising Star Nomination.

Round 22 - Elijah Hewett (West Coast)

Young midfielder Elijah Hewett becomes the third Eagle to earn a Rising Star nomination this season, joining Reuben Ginbey (Rd 3) and Jai Culley (Rd 6). 

The speedy 19-year-old has been a source of excitement for West Coast fans, playing 12 games in his debut season and regularly making the highlight reel. 

His 20 disposals, four clearances and three tackles in Round 22 make him more than deserving of his nomination.

Round 21 - Ollie Hollands (Carlton)

Winning 20 disposals and a career-best ten contested possessions, Ollie Hollands' work rate was once again on show in Carlton's win over St Kilda. 

Hollands also made six tackles and took four marks in a complete performance. 

The 19-year-old has played 14 matches in his first season and has now earned honours as the Blues' first Rising Star nomination this year. 

Round 20 - Mac Andrew (Gold Coast)

Suns defender Mac Andrew has taken out the Round 20 Rising Star nomination, off the back of an impressive second AFL season.

The 202cm backman took seven marks and won 14 disposals in Gold Coast's QClash win over Brisbane. 

Since joining the Suns as the No. 5 pick in 2021, Andrew has shown promise in a key defensive post and continues to develop with increased game-time this season. 

Round 19 - Jaspa Fletcher (Brisbane)

Lion cub Jaspa Fletcher has earned the Round 19 Rising Star nomination with an impressive showing over Geelong. 

The 19-year-old collected 19 disposals and eight marks, as the Lions once again strode to victory at the Gabba

Since debuting in Round 14, Fletcher hasn't missed a game, and now becomes Brisbane's third nominee after Ashcroft and Wilmot. 

Round 18 -  Judd McVee (Melbourne)

Few 19-year-olds can hold a spot in a top side like Melbourne, but that's exactly what defender Judd McVee has accomplished 17-straight times this season. 

Quietly locking down the opposition's best small forwards, McVee has been a mainstay for the Demons since the opening round. 

He kept Charlie Cameron to seven disposals and two goals in Round 18, while winning seven intercept possessions of his own — earning himself this round's rising star nomination. 

Round 17 - Seamus Mitchell (Hawthorn)

Hawthorn defender Seamus Mitchell has taken out the rising star nomination for Round 17, playing an exciting role in the Hawks' narrow loss to GWS. 

The 181cm youngster made the switch to the backline this season, having been re-listed as a rookie in 2023. 

Mitchell had 20 disposals, four marks, and five intercept possessions as he rebounded through the Hawthorn back-half against the Giants.

Round 16 - Luke Pedlar (Adelaide)

Adelaide's forward line has been full of excitement in 2023, with Luke Pedlar the newest Crow to earn recognition for a breakout year. 

Pedlar slotted two goals and won 11 possessions against North Melbourne, in what was a typical performance for the 21-year-old. 

With 19 goals to his name this season, the powerful medium forward is more than deserving of the Round 16 Rising Star nomination. 

Round 15 - Angus Sheldrick (Sydney)

Swans midfielder Angus Sheldrick has come on fast to win the Round 15 Rising Star nomination.

After only gathering a combined five disposals in his first two games this season, Sheldrick has dominated in the Sydney engine room in his last three games.

The 19-year-old has picked up 19 disposals (vs St Kilda), 19 disposals (vs Brisbane) and 29 disposals (vs West Coast) - also gathering a combined 15 clearances across this period and three goals.

Sheldrick was selected with pick 18 in the 2021 AFL Draft and has played seven career games, with two of them coming last season.

Round 14 - Darcy Wilmot (Brisbane)

Lions defender Darcy Wilmot only made his debut in finals last year, but has now been rewarded with a Rising Star nomination.

The 19-year-old has established himself as a first-choice member of Brisbane's defence and has particularly impressed in the last two weeks.

Against Sydney in round 14, Wilmot gained 447m with his 19 disposals and took four marks.

Wilmot was the 16th pick in the 2021 AFL Draft.

Round 13 - George Wardlaw (North Melbourne)

After only making his debut in round 10, George Wardlaw has made a fast impression on the AFL.

The 19-year-old had 22 disposals, with 10 contested, nine tackles and six clearances against GWS.

Since coming into the North team, Wardlaw has averaged 17 disposals.

Wardlaw was selected at pick 4 in last year's draft.

Round 12 - Jacob Van Rooyen (Melbourne)

A career high 16 disposals and a goal earned Jacob Van Rooyen the Rising Star nomination in Melbourne's win against Carlton.

The 20-year-old also took two contested career-high marks, contributed three inside 50s, and made two tackles.

Van Rooyen - pick 19 in the 2021 draft - has played 10 games in 2023, kicking 15 goals.

Round 11 - Jye Amiss (Fremantle)

The eighth pick in the 2021 Draft earns a long-awaited nomination following the Dockers' round 11 win over Melbourne at the MCG.

After playing three games in his debut season last year, Jye Amiss has been an important part of Fremantle's resurgence following a slow start in 2023.

The Western Australian kicked three goals from 14 touches against the Dees, taking his tally to 19 for the season so far.

Round 10 - Josh Weddle (Hawthorn)

Hawthorn received their first Rising Star nomination of 2023, with their second pick from last year's draft Josh Weddle joining the list.

Weddle, who burst out of the gates in the opening quarter against West Coast, gathered 28 disposals to go along with his eight score involvements, seven marks and two goals.

The 18-year-old impressed the Hawks with his ability to play above his size, with his strong aerial ability and sound defensive craft.

Weddle also took out the club's time trial during the off-season, proving his endurance and athleticism that has led to his consistent selection under Sam Mitchell.

Round 9 - Bailey Humphrey (Gold Coast)

Gold Coast received its first Rising Star nomination in the form of last year's pick six, Bailey Humphrey, who put together a strong performance against West Coast.

Playing as a forward-mid, Humphrey has started to showcase his immense talent in the front half of the ground, gathering 20 disposals to go with his eight score involvements and one goal.

Seen as a key part of their future, the Suns would hope to keep the youngster who hails from Gippsland in Victoria.

After debuting in round four, it will be hard for coach Stuart Dew to not keep him in the senior side.

Round 8 - Mattaes Philipou (St Kilda)

St Kilda youngster Mattaes Phillipou has been one of the many shining lights for the club in 2023, and this week he was finally awarded.

Playing as a high half-forward, Phillipou used his poise and skill on Sunday against North Melbourne, gathering 13 disposals and five score involvements.

The 18-year-old also took a hanger to go along with his impressive performance, showing plenty of indication that he is going to have a successful and long career.

Round 7 - Finn Callaghan (GWS)

Taken with pick three in the 2021 draft, Finn Callaghan is slowly starting to reach his potential.

Unfortunately suffering a long-term injury last year, Callaghan is starting to thrive in the AFL, especially under new coach Adam Kingsley.

Playing through the midfield and wing, the young Giant has been seen to use his elite skills and poise to cut through opposition teams.

Round 6 - Jai Culley (West Coast)

Mid-season draft prospect Jai Culley was rewarded with a Rising Star nomination after his four-goal haul against Port Adelaide.

Playing in a new role, coach Adam Simpson chucked him up forward and Culley thrived.

Involved in seven scores, the youngster proved to be another viable option in the front half for the Eagles, adding another string to his bow.

Round 5 - Max Michalanney (Adelaide)

Father-son pick Michalanney was simply brilliant in the round five clash against Carlton, displaying his poise and competitiveness.

Playing on small forward Jesse Motlop is no easy feat, but was able to limit his influence, keeping him to one goal and seven touches.

While Michalanney was able to drive the ball from the back half to the front, getting involved in scoring chains and assisting teammates in the process.

Round 4 - Mitch Owens (St Kilda)

St Kilda fans know Mitch Owens' nomination was a long-time coming, but the athletic forward finally earned one.

After a dominant display against Gold Coast where the young Saint gathered 27 disposals and slotted two goals, it was hard to pass.

Ross Lyon and the club have put together a make-shift forward line to great effect and Owens' presence has been a key cog to that early success.

Round 3 - Reuben Ginbey (West Coast)

West Coast youngster Reuben Ginbey is the third nomination of 2023, after an impressive performance in his first Derby.

Facing Fremantle, Ginbey gathered 20 disposals (13 contested), eight tackles, six clearances and four inside 50s playing through the midfield and across half back.

Similar to Elliot Yeo, the 18-year-old's size and frame allows him to be versatile and play in multiple positions.

Eagles fans should be excited by the prospect of Ginbey, especially since he's a Western Australian boy.

Round 2 - Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)

It comes as no shock that pick two in the 2022 draft and father-son gun Will Ashcroft's nomination came early in the year.

Seen as a ready-made footballer who dominated through the juniour ranks, Ashcroft's expectations were high, which he has met already.

In round two, the son of Marcus Ashcroft was dominant against Melbourne through the midfield, gathering 31 disposals (15 contested), nine clearances and a goal, while also receiving eight coaches votes.

Likened to Nick Daicos and Sam Walsh for his professionalism, Lions fans can expect bigger and better things from Ashcroft, despite his young age.

Round 1 - Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne)

The first nominee for the 2023 AFL season is here and it's none other than North Melbourne's Harry Sheezel.

Taken at pick three in the 2022 Draft, Sheezel dominated in his debut game in a position he hasn't played much football in.

Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson deployed the 18-year-old across the half back, where he gathered 34 disposals and nine marks in an extraordinary display.

Sheezel also broke a 39-year-old record, collecting the third most touches in his maiden match, joining Greg Williams and Dean Greig.

Rising Star odds

Odds via BlueBet (30/5).

Player  Price
Will Ashcroft (Brisbane) $2
Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne) $2.75
Mitch Owens (St Kilda) $5
Jye Amiss (Fremantle) $7
George Wardlaw (North Melbourne) $21
Bailey Humphrey (Gold Coast) $21
Finn Callaghan (GWS) $26
Jacob Van Rooyen (Melbourne) $41
Reuben Ginbey (West Coast) $41
Max Michalanney (Adelaide) $51
Mattaes Phillipou (St Kilda) $51

What is the Rising Star?

Established in 1993, the Rising Star is awarded to the best young player in the AFL.

Each week, a panel of experts nominates one eligible player across the competition based on their performance in that round or their body of work across the season so far.

At the end of the home-and-away season, the panel votes 5-4-3-2-1 for the young players adjudged to have had the best seasons, with the Rising Star being awarded to the player with the most votes.

The winner is traditionally announced following the final round of the regular season.

Rising Star criteria

Players must be 20 or younger and have played fewer than 10 games at the start of the season.

Like the Brownlow Medal, players who are suspended are ineligible for the award, though they can still be nominated.

2023 eligible players

Adelaide

Hugh Bond, James Borlase, Billy Dowling, Mac Michalanney, Luke Nankervis, Tariek Newchurch, Luke Pedlar, Zac Taylor

Brisbane

Will Ashcroft, Shadeau Brain, Blake Coleman, Jaspa Fletcher, Kai Lohmann, Carter Michael, Harry Sharp, Henry Smith, James Tunstill, Darcy Wilmot

Carlton

Domanic Akuei, Jaxon Binns, Jack Carroll, Lachlan Cowan, Oliver Hollands, Harry Lemmey

Collingwood

Ed Allan, Aiden Begg, Arlo Draper, Harvey Harrison, Reef McInnes, Cooper Murley, Jakob Ryan, Oscar Steene

Essendon

Kaine Baldwin, Massimo D'Ambrosio, Jayden Davey, Alwyn Davey Jnr, Lewis Hayes, Alastair Lord, Jye Menzie, Anthony Munkara, Zach Reid, Elijah Tsatas, Patrick Voss, Tex Wanganeen

Fremantle

Jye Amiss, Eric Benning, Hugh Davies, Joshua Draper, Neil Erasmus, Matthew Johnson, Max Knobel, Conrad Williams, Karl Worner

Geelong

Jhye Clark, Ted Clohesy, Toby Conway, Oliver Dempsey, Phoenix Foster, Mitch Knevitt, Oscar Murdoch, Shannon Neale, Osca Riccardi, Cooper Whyte, James Willis

Gold Coast

Mac Andrew, Sandy Brock, Oskar Faulkhead, Elijah Hollands, Bailey Humphrey, Joel Jeffrey, Lloyd Johnston, Ned Moyle, Bodhi Uwland

GWS

Ryan Angwin, Aaron Cadman, Finn Callaghan, Josh Fahey, Cameron Fleeton, Jason Gillbee, Max Gruzewski, Cooper Hamilton, Darcy Jones, Nicholas Madden, Toby McMullin, Harry Rowston, Conor Stone

Hawthorn

Joshua Bennetts, Sam Butler, Henry Hustwaite, Ned Long, Bailey Macdonald, Cam Mackenzie, Seamus Mitchell, Fionn O'Hara, Jack O'Sullivan, Max Ramsden, Jai Serong, Josh Weddle

Melbourne

Jed Adams, Kyah Farris-White, Blake Howes, Matthew Jefferson, Bailey Laurie, Judd McVee, Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Oliver Sestan, Deakyn Smith, Jacob van Rooyen, Will Verrall, Taj Woewodin

North Melbourne

Jackson Archer, Miller Bergman, Blake Drury, Jacob Edwards, Eddie Ford, Brayden George, Josh Goater, Cooper Harvey, Harry Sheezel, Phoenix Spicer, George Wardlaw

Port Adelaide

Nathan Barkla, Jase Burgoyne, Hugh Jackson, Ollie Lord, Kyle Marshall, Tom McCallum, Thomas Scully, Josh Sinn, Dante Visentini

Richmond

Sam Banks, Jacob Bauer, Tom Brown, Seth Campbell, Judson Clarke, Steely Green, Kaleb Smith, Tyler Sonsie

St Kilda

Oscar Adams, Matthew Allison, Max Heath, Olli Hotton, Isaac Keeler, Angus McLennan, Mitch Owens, Jack Peris, Mattaes Phillipou, James Van Es

Sydney

William Edwards, Hugh Hall-Kahan, Jacob Konstanty, Jaiden Magor, Caleb Mitchell, Cameron Owen, Lachlan Rankin, Matt Roberts, Marc Sheather, Angus Sheldrick, Cooper Vickery, Corey Warner

West Coast

Jordyn Baker, Harry Barnett, Rhett Bazzo, Coby Burgiel, Campbell Chesser, Jai Culley, Tyrell Dewar, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Noah Long, Zane Trew, Jack Williams, Isiah Winder

Western Bulldogs

Dominic Bedendo, Jedd Busslinger, Charlie Clarke, Luke Cleary, Sam Darcy, Harvey Gallagher, Arthur Jones, Cody Raak

Past winners

AFL Rising Star winners
Recipient Club Votes Year
Nathan Buckley Brisbane Bears NA 1993
Chris Scott Brisbane Bears NA 1994
Nick Holland Hawthorn NA 1995
Ben Cousins West Coast NA 1996
Michael Wilson Port Adelaide 27 1997
Byron Pickett North Melbourne 30 1998
Adam Goodes Sydney 33 1999
Paul Hasleby Fremantle 33 2000
Justin Koschitzke St Kilda 31 2001
Nick Riewoldt St Kilda 34 2002
Sam Mitchell Hawthorn 33 2003
Jared Rivers Melbourne 45* 2004
Brett Deledio Richmond 42 2005
Danyle Pearce Fremantle 42 2006
Joel Selwood Geelong 44 2007
Rhys Palmer Fremantle 44 2008
Daniel Rich Brisbane 45* 2009
Dan Hannebery Sydney 45* 2010
Dyson Heppell Essendon 44 2011
Daniel Talia Adelaide  43 2012
Jaeger O'Meara Gold Coast 44 2013
Lewis Taylor Brisbane 39 2014
Jesse Hogan Melbourne 49 2015
Callum Mills Sydney 49 2016
Andrew McGrath Essendon 51 2017
Jaidyn Stephenson Collingwood 52 2018
Sam Walsh Carlton 54 2019
Caleb Serong Fremantle 48 2020
Luke Jackson Melbourne 51 2021
Nick Daicos Collingwood 60* 2022

*Denotes maximum votes

Bryn Wakefield

Bryn Wakefield Photo
Bryn is a content producer for Sporting News, covering AFL and Australian Rules Football. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, he has thrived in the passionate sporting city, desperate for ultimate success despite its underdog tag.