Anytime Fitness Rising Star Shortlist

After a thorough deliberation process, the five nominees shortlisted to win the 2018 Anytime Fitness Rising Star Award are in.

Those shortlisted and in the running to take out the coveted award at next Monday’s Women’s Presentation Night are Jemima Kelly (Beaumaris), Alyssa Binns (Collegians), Georgia Cooper (Caulfield Grammarians), Laura Robertson (Marcellin) and Maxine Wells (Old Scotch).

The Rising Star Award has long been an accurate prelude of future football success with the inaugural women’s winner two-time Big V representative, Sarah Cameron (SKOB Saints), while previous men’s winners including two-time Woodrow Medallist Brendan Iezzi (2007), James Fletcher (2015), Anthony Scott (2014), Lachie Ferguson (2012) and Nick Wynne (2009) and former AFL player Dan Nicholson (2010).

Jemima Kelly (Beaumaris)

Nominated in Round 5 after just her second game for Beaumaris, ‘Poppy’ has since been named in the best nine times from her 10 games. She was best afield in her side’s second semi-final loss against Old Scotch over the weekend and is one of the form players of the competition.

What the club said: Poppy plays CHF & ruck, with her strengths being her ability to run and carry and impose her strength in those key positions.

Alyssa Binns (Collegians)

Binns earnt the first nomination of 2018 after kicking a goal in a best-on-ground performance during her side’s 11-point win over Brunswick Renegades. The former Ashburton junior played every game for the Lions and was named in the best seven times.

What the club said: “She is very strong in close, reads the play well and delivers the ball by foot with excellent skill. She plays mainly on ball but can also go forward and kick goals. Although Alyssa is a quiet type, she is renowned at the club for her toughness at the contest.”

Georgia Cooper (Caulfield Grammarians)

The talented 17-year-old and former Frankston Rovers junior has been a standout for Caulfield Grammarians this season, playing 12 games and being named in the best eight times. She was BOG in her side’s Round 9 match against Fitzroy with 22 touches and seven marks and ranked second for the Fields in both disposals (12.9 per game) and marks (3.1) this season.

What the club said: “As a basketballer Georgia and her Dad would practice catching the ball and learning to push him out of the way. So, marking is now one of her strengths but probably her main strength is her lightning speed.”

Laura Robertson (Marcellin)

Robertson received the Round 2 nomination after starring with 18 disposals, four tackles and a goal during Marcellin’s 57-point victory over Melbourne University. She was named in the best seven times from her 13 games and booted 7 goals, three of which came against Kew in Round 1. Robertson was BOG in last year’s GF victory for Marcellin and was rewarded for her outstanding season this year with selection in the Big V side.

What the club said: “Laura possesses precision disposal, is dangerous in the air and has the amazing ability to brush off tackles with ease.”

Maxine Wells (Old Scotch)

Wells was named the rising star in Round 3 after playing a leading hand in the Stars’ 100-point win over Hampton Rovers. She’s since gone on to play 13 games and has been named in the best seven times; including, three best-on-ground performances. Wells was a standout in the Stars’ semi-final win over Beaumaris on Saturday.

What the club said: “Her strengths as a footballer include good clean hands below her knees, very fast, excellent peripheral vision and delivers the ball out in front.”

Photo: Caulfield Grammarians