AFL Sydney Rising Star nominees – Round Four
Women’s Round Four Rising Star nominee
Name: Alexa Cardassilaris
Nickname: Lex
AFL Sydney Club: Southern Power
Position: Back / On Ball / Wing
Junior Club: N/A
Favourite activity to do outside of football: Some sort of exercising. Water-skiing / Surfing
What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Alexa is known around the club for her running prowess. And she often, and easily, finishes at the front of the group in most of the “conditioning blocks” at club training sessions.
What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Lexa is young and still learning the game, but her aggression and intensity at training helps to lift those around her.
The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Light training session.
Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Run out last on the field.
Reason for nomination this round:
“Alexa had a break out game when moved into the backline and showed glimpses of a real talent as a defender. Read the play and the flight of the ball particularly well. Collected many intercept marks, and allowed her to repeatedly rebound off the half-back line.”
Coach quote on Performance:
“Alexa has finally been able to string some games together after a challenging time with injury last season. She is finding her feet in terms of which position she is best suited to, but her aggression at the footy and high-level athleticism and fitness means that she has been a great addition to all parts of the ground.
Alexa is fiercely competitive and understands what it takes to prepare herself like an elite athlete (as evidenced by her approach to rehab and recovery from a serious injury last year). We’re confident that with a few more games under her belt, Alexa will regularly feature in the team’s best players”.
Men’s Round Four Rising Star nominee
Name: Riley Irvin
Nickname: Still working on a Sydney nickname
AFL Sydney Club: St George Dragons
Position: Ruckman
Junior Club: Griffith Swans
Favourite activity to do outside of football: Study
What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Riley worked on his footy education with a couple of years at Assumption College in Victoria and is now studying at the University of Wollongong.
What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Riley is new to St George this year but brings real ability and finals experience to the club from Griffith in the Riverina Football League, where he played last year.
The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Studying Google maps to figure out where our game is going to be and how I’ll get there!
Do they have any pre-game superstitions? No
Reason for nomination this round:
“Tireless performance in the ruck in the weekends game against Pennant Hills.”
Coach quote on Performance:
“Riley possesses a great leap and has been a standout in the middle for St George so far this year. He is fearless with the ball and only knows one way through a pack.”
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