AFL Sydney Rising Star nominees – Week 9

Image courtesy of Leigh Gazzard.

 

AFL Sydney Men’s Week 9 Rising Star nominee

Name:  Max Ries

Nickname:  Riesy

AFL Sydney Club:  UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs

Position:  Half Back

Junior Club:  East Sydney Bulldogs

Favourite activity to do outside of football:  Hanging out at the Green Room down at Maroubra beach.

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club?  He actually has straight hair but curls it every night because ‘curls get the girls’.

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field?   Max is captain of the U19’s. Even though he is currently playing Premier Division he is always at U19 training and games to help out wherever he can and give leadership to the younger players at the club.

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing?  Eating as much as he can because he weighs 50kg soaking wet.

Do they have any pre-game superstitions?  No pre-game superstitions.

Reason for nomination this round:  He has had a very consistent performance over his first five Premier Division matches. Has been one of the clubs better players.

Coach quote on Performance:

“Max has trained with the senior group throughout preseason and really impressed the coaches with how clean he is below his knees, his work rate and his competitiveness. After a very strong start to the season in the U19’s he forced his way into the Premier Division team and featured in the best players in his first game East Coast.

Max is a delight to coach, not just for his football ability, but due to his attitude and care he shows for his football. Max will be a very very good player for UNSW Eastern Suburbs into the future and I believe he could easily captain the club one day.”

 

AFL Sydney Women’s Week 9 Rising Star nominee

Name:  Brooke Curren

Nickname:  Brookey

AFL Sydney Club: Southern Power

Position:  Midfield

Junior Club:  Upwey Tecoma Tigers, VIC

Favourite activity to do outside of football:  Taking her dog on adventures down to the beach and around Sydney and finding the best brunch cafes.

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club?  How much she hates running unless it’s towards food.

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field?  On field she supplies a lot of directional talk and off field she supplies good quality banter.

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing?  Hanging out with her dog watching some Friday night footy.

Do they have any pre-game superstitions?  She always lays her playing jumper on her bag, hangs it on a hook or on the back of a seat so she can see her playing number.

Reason for nomination this round: Has played an increasingly important and impactful role in the Southern Power midfield over the last few weeks. On top of this she has also been named amongst the best players this year so far where she plays a physical and bruising role in the mids whilst carrying a few niggling injuries.

Coach quote on Performance:

“This year Brooke is revealing herself as a seriously smart footballer that is constantly challenging the playing (and coaching) group to evolve our game to a more sophisticated and elite level.  On field she is physically tough and imposing in the midfield, and constantly communicating to those around.  The fact that she can hit a target 40-50 metres away is always a bonus.  Brooke is young, full of energy and passion for the game, and wouldn’t be at all surprised if she moves into coaching as the years progress.”

 

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