Goast Coast standout Jaeger O’Meara claimed the AFL Rising Star award on Wednesday after helping the Suns to the most successful season in club history.
Club champion Gary Ablett was the major reason for the club’s huge turnaround in 2013, and will likely go on to win his second Brownlow Medal later this month, but Gold Coast fans have reason to be excited after O’Meara’s special debut season.
The 19-year-old took home the Ron Evans Medal ahead of Adelaide’s Brad Crouch and Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines, polling 44 of 45 votes.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play AFL footy so I’m very proud to be here,” O’Meara said in his acceptance speech.
“I don’t want to leave any stone unturned.”
O’Meara averaged 21.6 disposals in 22 games for the Suns in 2013, kicking 16 goals for the season and adding five tackles (16th overall in total tackles) and four marks per contest.
“It’s a huge honour,” O’Meara told goldcoastfc.com.au.
“It’s extremely humbling, it’s not something that you set out to achieve, but when you look around the room, and see the quality of the other nominees, it’s a bit overwhelming.
“I’ve really enjoyed the year, it had been a big build up, but I’ve loved the challenge and like the team, I’m looking forward to improving again next year.”
North Melbourne’s Aaron Mullet, Sydney’s Tom Mitchell, Richmond’s Nick Vlastuin were other notable rising stars to receive votes.
The West Australian entered the AFL with a lot of hype attached to his name and was declared by former Essendon player Tim Watson as a player who has the potential to become “the greatest midfielder that’s ever played the game”.
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