AFL MEDIA
Wednesday 9 May 2012
STEVEN MOTLOP from Geelong is the round 6 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
The 21-year-old small forward played his best game for the Cats last Saturday against Melbourne, finishing with 28 possessions, three marks and a goal.
Steven (pictured) has spent more time in the midfield this season displaying good use of the ball and elusive skills.
Steven has overcome shoulder injuries to find a regular spot in the reigning premiership side. He played one AFL match in 2010 and four matches in 2011, but has played every match in 2012 -- kicking eight goals and averaging 16 disposals.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said Steven has found good consistency this season.
"Steven has brought consistency and value to the team in the opening six rounds of the season," he said.
"We have been extremely impressed with his run which is vital to our side. He has been able to overcome injury and it is great to see him rewarded with this nomination."
Steven was recruited from the Wanderers Football Club in Darwin. He was Geelong’s third selection at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft (selection 39 overall).
He represented the Northern Territory at both the Under-16 and Under-18 NAB AFL Championships.
Steven's brother is former Port Adelaide player Daniel Motlop.
Following each round of the home and away season, a panel of judges will select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2012 NAB AFL Rising Star.
The 2012 NAB AFL Rising Star will receive a personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.
NAB will recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Each of the 23 clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award, a package of practical resources designed to assist them in developing future champions. Included this year is a life saving St John defibrillator as part of the St John Heart Start program.
The NAB AFL Rising Star is the pinnacle of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.
The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program provides recognition and a clearly identifiable direction for a player's career, and comprises the following elements:
NAB AFL Rising Star
NAB AFL Draft
NAB AFL Draft Combine
NAB AFL Under 18 Championships
AIS-AFL Academy
NAB AFL Under 16 Championships
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Last Modified on 10/05/2012 15:00