AFL Sydney Rising Star nominees – Round Five

Men’s Round Five Rising Star nominee

Name: Mitchell Blow

Nickname:  Blowy, Blowfly

AFL Sydney Club: Pennant Hills Demons

Position: Centre Half Forward

Junior Club: Westbrook Bulldogs

Favourite activity to do outside of football: Spend time with family and mates, 4WD, watch motorsport.

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? In season 2018, Mitchell played in three grades – 12 games in the Under 19s and was team Best & Fairest, 1 game in Division Three playing with his dad, Nigel, for the first time in footy, and 11 games in Premier Division Reserves in which he was a member of the winning team in the 2018 Grand Final.

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? On-field Mitch has been a versatile player. Playing CHF in the Under 19s he was a mobile target up front while in the Reserves he quickly adapted his game to be an effective defender. Mitch and his dad, Nigel, are committed clubmen pitching in to help wherever needed. His father Nigel was assistant coach for the U19s in 2018 and this season is player/coach of the Demons Division Three side. They are a great football family!

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Likely to be watching the Footy while enjoying a nice pizza and pasta meal and having a stretch. 

Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Surprisingly, No!

Reason for nomination this round: 

“After winning last season’s Under 19 Best & Fairest award from only 12 games and then playing in the 2018 Premier Division Reserves premiership side, Mitch had earned the opportunity to play Premier Division footy and debuted in Round 1 this season. In Round 5 against Camden Cats, Mitch had a break-out game, kicking 3 goals (including the first two for the match) and was named best on the ground for the Pennant Hills Demons.”

Coach quote on Performance:

“At 19 years of age, Mitch is an emerging talent at the Pennant Hills footy club. He is tall and athletic, plays with great passion and enthusiasm and has a great work ethic at training and on match days. He’s a mobile tall with clean sure hands, takes a good grab, has a booming kick and is blessed by that rare talent for marking the ball at its highest point, making him an effective player at either end of the ground. He’s played every game so far this season and is improving each week. I expect he will be an important player for the Demon’s 2019 campaign.”

Women’s Round Four Rising Star nominee

Name: Samantha Goldrick

Nickname: Sami

AFL Sydney Club: UTS AFC 

Position: Wing/Rover

Junior Club: Maroubra Saints

Favourite activity to do outside of football: Netball, Swimming, Ironman, Snowboarding 

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? One thing you may not know about Sami is she is constantly on the go and she is a very successful surf life saver! She is known around the club for turning up to training with a mouth full of food having just come from a surf lifesaving or netball training session. Sami is also known for her after game attire which is usually her netball uniform as she is racing off to play a game! But whether coming from surf life saving or netball training, she always gives 100% energy and determination to the team.

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Sami is new to the club this year, but she has already cemented her spot in the team on and off the field. Sami is tenacious in her gameplay, but she is a great friend, who’s always up for a laugh and chat. Our team rule this season is Captains award gets to wash the jerseys and Best on Ground gets to take the water bottles home, so Sami has been busy washing both bottles and jerseys several times already this season! What a reward!!!

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Probably just having a meal at home or out with friends 

Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Not Really

Reason for nomination this round: 

“Sami’s leading and ability to get away from her opposition made her stand out in our recent games against Macquarie Uni and Sydney Uni, but the fact that Sami excels in any position she is put makes her a very handy and versatile player to have in our side. Sami has played 4 games this year in the Women’s Prems Division and has been named in the top 6 on three occasions including two best on ground performances.”

Coach quote on Performance:

“Sami is an ideal player to coach who is full of enthusiasm, she is eager to learn and she trains how she plays. Sami has the fitness to run all day and will do anything that is asked of her and more. The Pre-season effort Sami put in ensured that she was ready to step up to be a core player of the Prems Team who can play any position on the field, she has even nominated for Ruck several times just to give the ruck a break! The team can rely on Sami to put on a strong tackle, to provide countless leading opportunities and with her marking ability is an asset to have running through our midfield, Sami has no fear and will put her body on the line for the team. I admire the way she plays, the way she takes on feedback and the way she wants to continually improve and assist the team any way she can. You Rock Sami!”

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