Round 17 Grill’d Rising Star Nominee: Chris Hughes

Congratulations to Chris Hughes of St Bernard’s for his Round 17 Grill’d Rising Star nomination after a sensational season with the Snow Dogs.

“Chris Hughes along with his twin brother Mitch first started playing for St Bernard’s in under 14’s, after playing with Keilor in the under 10’s and 12’s.

Chris was a very good junior footballer winning his first B&F in the under 12’s and then again in the under 18’s and the under 19’s in 2013, 14.  It capped off a great year with St Bernards in 2014 who also won the under 19’s premier division premiership that year under talented coach Rocky Lanello.

Chris was the first under 19 player in 5 years at St Bernard’s to make the senior side in 2014. He followed this up with 13 games in St Bernard’s senior winning premiership side last year and while still under 19 has played 16 games again this year. Chris is blessed with silky skills and is an excellent ball user, often playing the outside running role, giving drive and penetration inside the forward line.

He is a dangerous forward flanker/ wingman who can find space and is currently the leading goal kicker for St Bernard’s this year. He can be an exciting player to watch with good leg speed, agility and a big running tank.

After making the under 19’s VAFA Victorian Representative side this year his play was described as electric during the 3rd quarter in that game as he kicked 2 goals and played a hand in 2 others including 40-meter lace out pass into the forward line.

Chris is known at St Bernards to be a great team player, he works hard at winning the outside ball and providing the transfer and run down field. He is encouraging of others on and off the field and shows great leadership and courage at the club. He loves St Bernard’s and he is really enjoying the development, encouragement and education being provided by senior coach Mark Riley. He is committed to improving his game and helping St Bernard’s get back into premier grade next year.

Chris plays a bit like Nick dal Santo and Sean Burgoyne, as he tries to never waste an opportunity. He has great run and uses the ball well. Chris of course hates kicking a goal! Chris has a quiet demeanour, he does not say a lot, but he listens well and is super competitive underneath. Chris plans to work hard over summer building his fitness and his upper body strength with his longer term aim to move into a midfield role.”

– St Bernard’s