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<\/a><\/p>\nThe 2026 season is about to kick off, and a new crop of draftees is set to have an impact on the league and battle it out for the 2026 Rising Star award.<\/p>\n
Also, a group of overage talents are set to take a jump in their second season at AFL<\/a> level, making this year’s Rising Star award a close and competitive race.<\/p>\n Here’s a refresh on the criteria to be eligible for the award.<\/p>\n Players must be under the age of 21 as of January 1, 2026. Last year, first-year player Murphy Reid<\/a> took home the award, beating out Dan Curtin<\/a> and Levi Ashcroft<\/a> in a close race that was debated all season long.<\/p>\n In a stacked crop of talent, this year’s race is anyone’s for the taking. Here is Zero Hanger’s verdict on the 10 favourites for this year’s Rising Star award.<\/p>\n 10Jobe Shanahan<\/p>\n Taken with pick 30 in the 2024 AFL Draft<\/a>, Jobe Shanahan<\/a> made his debut late last year in Round 16, against Collingwood.<\/p>\n He then went on to feature in the last nine games of 2024, kicking 12 majors, and playing a key role in the Eagles’ side.<\/p>\n Shanahan will be playing second fiddle to key forward Jake Waterman<\/a>, and will have an increased role and responsibility in 2026, after Oscar Allen<\/a> departed the Eagles.<\/p>\n He will have the opportunity to cement himself in the young Eagles side, and in their long-term future, and build on his successful end of 2025.<\/p>\n
\nPlayers can only have played 10 AFL<\/a> games or fewer in previous seasons.
\nPlayers must not be suspended at AFL<\/a> or state league level during the season.<\/p>\n
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