At Monday night's gala awards dinner, ex-Cougar Josh Smith was awarded the Rising Star award with 40 votes, ahead of Aspley's draft hopeful Isaac Conway.
Smith was the first nominee of the season after a stellar Round 1 performance against Labrador.
Smith has played a variety of roles throughout the 2013 season, his first full season in the seniors, after playing 8 matches in 2012.
Unfortunately he was unable to kick a late goal in his sides 5 point Elimination Final loss a couple of weeks ago, a goal which would have sent their match to extra time. Despite that miss, he hit the scoreboard a number of times during the season, especially as he hit his vein of form through the middle part of the season.
In four consecutive matches throughout May & June he polled in his sides best players despite the side going down in 3 clashes.
Smith, who now plays for Morningside said although Australian Football wasn't the most popular sport at Downlands College, his persistence is starting to pay off. He credited ex-Regional Manager Jack Barry for bringing him into the Morninside family and developing his football.
This result should propel Smith back into contention for being drafted by an AFL side on November 21 after dissapointingly being overlooked last year.
In a further testament to the level of football on the Downs, Redland's Brad Howard, another University junior, was named in the Back Pocket for the NEAFL Team of the Year.
He also finished 10th in the Syd Guildford Trophy following his final round nomination. The trophy recognises the NEAFL Coaches & Officials MVP.
PHOTO: Smith in action for the Queensland Under 18's at the National Championships last year.
Last Modified on 17/09/2013 16:21
