Well done Sammy. I made the prediction at the start of the year that you could win the thing, but while that's a little off the mark, it's still a fine achievement to be nominated.

You now join a very elite field of players that have been nominated twice, including our very own Nathan Jones and Jordan Gysberts (I think there may be one other too?).

http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/144497/default.aspx

Stupid award these days. A player nominated beyond round 8 has virtually zero hope of winning. It used to be all about potential now its about what a player does for the whole year. How can someone nominated in Rd 23 for his first game win it?? Its impossible.

Another AFL bastardised joke.

Nonetheless Well done Sam for taking your medicine, working hard on your game and putting in a great few weeks. A tough pre-season awaits but you have the ability to make it big time if you work hard.

This kids going to be a star. We've been frustrated with him because he's been around for 4 years but with injuries he's only been up and about for about 40 game time weeks in that period.

He's going to be our Lewis Jetta. I'd love to see him in a side with Watts, Tom McD, Trengrove, Grimes, Viney, and Howe for the next 9-10 seasons.

This kids going to be a star. We've been frustrated with him because he's been around for 4 years but with injuries he's only been up and about for about 40 game time weeks in that period.

He's going to be our Lewis Jetta. I'd love to see him in a side with Watts, Tom McD, Trengrove, Grimes, Viney, and Howe for the next 9-10 seasons.

I was in WA the year Jetta got drafted and I've never seen a player tear up WAFL as much as Jetta, he was something else.

No surprise to see him doing what he is doing atm, hopefully Blease adds that excitement to us, gotta love the pace.

Well done Sam! As Neeldy said the other day, you have come a long way, but there's still a long way to go.

ps. we all know that you have pace to burn, but please don't get too far ahead of yourself.

Stupid award these days. A player nominated beyond round 8 has virtually zero hope of winning. It used to be all about potential now its about what a player does for the whole year. How can someone nominated in Rd 23 for his first game win it?? Its impossible.

Another AFL bastardised joke.

Not necessarily? In theory a player could come close to getting a nomination each week but just be pipped by someone different each time, so by the time he finally does get the nod he's still had a solid year.

I take your point, it's far less likely, but regardless I think it should be based on consistency throughout the year rather than just pure potential. How many players on our own list would be rising star winners based on the potential seen in one performance over consistent performances throughout the year?

Damm! May break the other leg this week.

Stupid award these days. A player nominated beyond round 8 has virtually zero hope of winning. It used to be all about potential now its about what a player does for the whole year. How can someone nominated in Rd 23 for his first game win it?? Its impossible.

Tell me what the point is in rewarding a young player for their 'potential'? Why not just give it to players after they're drafted then!? Watts could've won it in his first year! They should do the Brownlow on potential too. That way, even if Ablett only played 10 games, he could win the award because of what he potentially could've done if he played every game!

If a player hasn't been nominated before round 8 then they haven't been doing enough to be outstanding next to the rest of the young players going around. Usually those nominated early continue to play well throughout the season and deserve winning the award. Getting nominated is a reward in itself, it's not all about winning the damn thing.

Not sure why you're so angry about an award that helps young developing players feel good about themselves.

Not necessarily? In theory a player could come close to getting a nomination each week but just be pipped by someone different each time, so by the time he finally does get the nod he's still had a solid year.

I take your point, it's far less likely, but regardless I think it should be based on consistency throughout the year rather than just pure potential. How many players on our own list would be rising star winners based on the potential seen in one performance over consistent performances throughout the year?

History says otherwise. Only two players have ever won after being nominated after round 8.

Tell me what the point is in rewarding a young player for their 'potential'? Why not just give it to players after they're drafted then!? Watts could've won it in his first year! They should do the Brownlow on potential too. That way, even if Ablett only played 10 games, he could win the award because of what he potentially could've done if he played every game!

If a player hasn't been nominated before round 8 then they haven't been doing enough to be outstanding next to the rest of the young players going around. Usually those nominated early continue to play well throughout the season and deserve winning the award. Getting nominated is a reward in itself, it's not all about winning the damn thing.

Not sure why you're so angry about an award that helps young developing players feel good about themselves.

Wow what an ignorant post. So why not split it into two. One for players nominated before round 8 who can win the award. And others nominated after who can feel good about themselves but have virtually no chance of winning. Breathtaking statement about players not being eligible to win but at least they can feel good. My Godfather.

This bit takes the cake "If a player hasn't been nominated before round 8 then they haven't been doing enough to be outstanding". What if they are injured? What if they are young age?

If you know anything about the history of this award its all about potential. The fact that it has morphed over the years to a best first year player award has meant it has changed completely. And not for the better I say. Its now like a Brownlow for 1st year players.

Simply, every player who is nominated should be eligible. The fact that they have no chance is a disgrace.

Wow what an ignorant post. So why not split it into two. One for players nominated before round 8 who can win the award. And others nominated after who can feel good about themselves but have virtually no chance of winning. Breathtaking statement about players not being eligible to win but at least they can feel good. My Godfather.

This bit takes the cake "If a player hasn't been nominated before round 8 then they haven't been doing enough to be outstanding". What if they are injured? What if they are young age?

If you know anything about the history of this award its all about potential. The fact that it has morphed over the years to a best first year player award has meant it has changed completely. And not for the better I say. Its now like a Brownlow for 1st year players.

Simply, every player who is nominated should be eligible. The fact that they have no chance is a disgrace.

I agree. However, the AFL have set it up so that the eligibility covers players that get nominated later in the season. By that, I mean if a player is nominated in Round 22, and it's his first game for the year, then providing he is under the age requirement, he'll have 22 games the next season to prove that it wasn't a once-off.

Any player that get's nominated after Round 12 has minimal chance of winning in that year, but should use it as a stepping stone to get an early nomination the followin gyear to give them every possible chance of winning the award.