Club Warehouse Rising Star: Shortlist

After a thorough deliberation process, the five nominees shortlisted to win the 2015 Club Warehouse Rising Star Award are in.

Those shortlisted and in the running to take out the coveted award are Jordan Quaile (University Blacks), Seb Nicolosi (Old Trinity), James Fletcher (Peninsula), Adrian Indovino (De La Salle) and Andrew Sloan (Old Carey).

Jordan Quaile (University Blacks): Quaile has played all 18 matches for University Blacks this season, kicking 25 goals and appearing in the Blacks’ best on nine separate occasions. His ability to break open games off his own bat did not go unnoticed as he earned selection in both the U23 Big V side and the William Buck Premier Team of the Year.

What the club said: “Jordan makes great decisions, disposes of the ball cleanly and happily throws his moderate frame into packs where most angels would fear to tread. A delightfully modest and unselfish young player, Jordan is held in the highest regard at the Blacks and an exciting senior career awaits.”

Seb Nicolosi (Old Trinity): Nicolosi has played 15 games of senior football for the T’s this season and registered at least one goal in 14 of those appearances. His 31 goals for the season showcases his ability to find the sticks, with 12 in two games against Beaumaris the highlight of his year. Such is his dominance in the T’s forward 50, Nicolosi was named at centre half forward in the William Buck Premier Team of the Year.

What the club said: “Seb’s notorious for causing headaches for opposition backlines due to his versatility; he’s classy below his knees but even better aerially. We think he plays in a similar mould to Luke Bruest from Hawthorn – when he gets the opportunity to kick a goal he usually makes it count.”

James Fletcher (Peninsula): Appearing in all 18 home and away matches this season, Fletcher has led from the front and appeared in the best players 14 times. Earlier in the season he lit North Hobart Oval alight with a dominant display for the Big V U23’s and was recently named on the wing in the Premier C Team of the Year.

What the club said: “James looks set to be a future captain of the club, striving to be the best he can be and ensuring his teammates are too. It looks like Peninsula OB’s have struck a gold mine in James, with a bright future ahead of him and the club.”

Adrian Indovino (De La Salle): Indovino has continued his growth as a significant force for De La in 2015, playing 16 games and booting 34 goals. He has been one of the main contributors to the De La midseason fightback, kicking 23 majors in the past eight matches.

What the club said: “Adrian is a very coachable, talented young footballer. He is a highly skilled left footer, has worked to improve his fitness and is a goal kicking wingman.  He has been a real highlight for our football club this season. The talented youngster looks at home at senior level and is a great asset for De La Salle.”

Andrew Sloan (Old Carey): Sloan has held down a key defensive post for Old Carey in another stellar season, dominating opposition forwards and appearing in the best players 12 times from his 18 matches. Sloan’s 2015 season has seen him represent the Big V U23’s in Hobart and earn selection in the back pocket of the William Buck Premier Team of the Year.

What the club said: “Andrew is very popular amongst the boys for his on field courage and his fearless attack at the ball against much older opponents. Other attributes that stand Andrew taller than many is his ability to remain composed under pressure and use his strong body to his advantage. Andrew has held down full back this year, beating far more experienced opponents.”

The VAFA would like to congratulate all nominees for their performances this year and wish all those shortlisted the best of luck.

Readers are able to vote for who they think will win the Club Warehouse Rising Star on the VAFA.com.au home page poll.