The VAFA congratulates Old Brighton young gun Alex Mastromanno on his Round 4 nomination for the 2017 Rising Star award.

The Maestro has kicked 12 goals from three games so far this year after first hitting our radar as a 17-year-old in last year’s U19 Big V side.

What the Club said:

“Alex Mastromanno first appeared at Old Brighton when he played a couple of Under 19 games in 2015 as a Year 11 student at Brighton Grammar. Tonner supporters all knew about the young full-forward who was heading his school’s attempt to win back-to-back APS premierships, and we were thrilled to be able to play Alex alongside Dan Anthony in Rounds 11 &12 last year during school holidays.  

He made a strong impression, bagging four goals against AJAX and St Bedes/Mentone Tigers in wins that helped us to turn our season around. Alex’s school commitments and injury prevented him from any further participation last year, and we awaited 2017 with great anticipation.

This season, Alex has completed a pre-season with Collingwood’s VFL squad, but mercifully has been able to play the first four games at Old Brighton.  

Alex has big shoes to fill in the number 44, as Dan Anthony has decided not to play this year. Alex has begun well. He has kicked 15 goals, mainly won from strong leads and safe marking.  Alex’s straight kicking is his greatest asset and he is clearly loving playing with his mates and improving his craft under Greg Hutchison’s tutelage.  

His nick-name, “Maestro”, has already launched cult status amongst players and supporters who realise how important Alex is to the Club’s future.  Alex is an engaging young man whose enthusiasm is infectious and we are all anticipating many seasons of fast leads, strong marks and accurate kicks, as Alex sets out in pursuit of the deeds of John Priestley, Adam Pirrie and Dan Anthony.”

• Old Brighton