AFL Sydney Rising Star nominees – Week 8
Image courtesy of Kim Butler.
AFL Sydney Women’s Week 8 Rising Star nominee
Name: Margot Vella
Nickname: Maggot
AFL Sydney Club: Auburn-Penrith Giants
Position: Wing
Junior Club: Maroubra Saints
Favourite activity to do outside of football: Play other sports! This includes, Oztag, Rugby 7s, Touch Football and Rugby League.
What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? She made the Australian Team in Oztag and recently represented Australia in Rugby Union in Hong Kong where they won! She is also a ballerina turned footballer!
What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Margot is down to earth and makes everyone feel included. She lifts the standard of training and is a consistent high performer on game day. Her intensity at the contest and ability to dominate opposition players is inspiring. She was nominated Players Player for her Round 6 performance against UTS, recognised by her team as one of the most under rated midfielders in the competition.
The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Having a chilled night, eating pizza and watching movies.
Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Always wear a blue ribbon and have 2 hair elastics on her wrist.
Reason for nomination this round: Margot Vella has been nominated for her consistent performance in 2018. She is a humble footballer but quickly becoming one of the most damaging midfielders in the AFL Sydney Competition at only 19 years of age. Margot’s return to footballer after a season ending injury in 2017 speaks to her resilience and courage. She has the respect of her teammates and leaves spectators in awe of her football performance.
Coach quote on Performance:
“Margot Vella is an exciting talent and has been recognised by her peers as the players player in Round 6. She has been selected in the Coaches top six twice in the past month of football. Her ability to win the contested ball and her selfless approach and team first mentality is unmatched. Margot has elite fitness levels having topped the Premier Division 2km time trials as well as sharp kicking efficiency, bullish physical pressure, and outstanding football smarts. Although quiet, she leads by example and demonstrates poise and composure when breaking the lines and using her pace on the outside to dominate sides.
Margot has X-factor and is one to be watched as she can turn the game on its head when she has time and space. She always backs herself to go one on one with the best opponents in the competition.”
Image courtesy of Leigh Gazzard.
AFL Sydney Men’s Week 8 Rising Star nominee
Name: Max Thomas
Nickname: Bumbles
AFL Sydney Club: North Shore Bombers
Position: Forward
Junior Club: North Ryde Dockers
Favourite activity to do outside of football: Play cricket, tennis and surf.
What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Max is a big advocate for calf skins as they help prevent my cramping.
What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? On field Max tries to provide as much tackling pressure as he can. Off field Max offers help to the chief head of social functions, James Cubis, who loves his role and does a great job.
The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Get a carb loaded meal in and watch just about any sport that is on TV.
Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Not really but generally a surf the day before if the waves are good.
Reason for nomination this round: In a competitive game against Sydney Uni, Max played a great 4 quarters and was best on ground for North Shore. Combine this effort with being second on the goal kicking ladder for the season we feel Max is a worthy nomination.
Coach quote on Performance:
“Max has had a great season to date and played a fantastic game against Sydney University on Sunday. In his debut game in 2017 Max showed some real promise but unfortunately injured his knee in that game and was sidelined for the rest of the year.
Using the layoff as motivation Max had a strong preseason and so far has had a major impact in 2018. A good combination of forward pressure and goals has made Max an important part of our team. Well done Max!”
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