AFL Sydney Rising Star nominees – Round 11
Men’s Round 11 Rising Star nominee
Name: Harry Maguire
Nickname: “Big H” or just “H”
AFL Sydney Club: Pennant Hills Demons
Position: Forward or Back
Junior Club: Pennant Hills Junior AFL Club
Favourite activity to do outside of football: Beach / riding Jet Ski
What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club?
In juniors on commencement of footy there were two Harry’s and I was the taller/larger of the two, hence the nickname of ‘Big H’…..
In last season’s Premier Reserves Grand Final, Harry, still only 17 years old, became an instant club celebrity when he kicked the final goal to seal the Demon’s victory. Marking the ball directly in front of goals, about 10 metres out, he promptly kicked the goal then followed through to the embrace of the adoring Demon’s fans massed behind the goals in the final quarter … it was high fives and hugs all around and Harry became the instant crowd favourite!
What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Team player / Friendly / Encouraging others
The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Eating carbs, drinking water and ‘chilling’ out
Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Does two sidesteps and a jump when coming onto the field
Reason for nomination this round:
“In his six matches so far this season, Harry has been in Penno’s best on 4 occasions including twice best on ground for Pennant Hills in the Round 6 match against Manly and most recently in last weekend’s Round 11 match against St George Dragons.
Harry had his Premier Division debut in Round 14 of 2018 and played out the season kicking 9 goals in 5 games, including 3 goals each in the final two rounds. When the Premier Division side missed finals in 2018, Harry was eligible to play finals in Premier Reserves, kicking 7 goals in three finals matches, including a vital goal in the Grand Final which was won by Pennant Hills. After completing his Academy duties in 2019, Harry returned to the Premier Division side in Round 5.”
Coach quote on Performance this year:
Premier Division Coach, Chris Yard, says: “At 18 years of age, Harry is already a great football talent at the Pennant Hills footy club. He is tall and athletic and is one of the best overhead marks at the Club. He’s a mobile tall with strong and sure hands, takes an excellent grab, has a classic kicking style and is an accurate kick on goal. His skills are already well developed enabling him to be an effective key position player at either end of the ground. He is an instinctive player and has an impressive ability to shut down opposition forwards by intercept marking and rebounding from defence. After a dominating performance in the Round 6, these particular skills were once again on display in last weekend’s match against St George Dragons … he just doesn’t get beaten at the moment! Harry is another of our young guns that I expect will be an important player for the Demon’s in season 2019.”
Women’s Round 11 Rising Star nominee
Name: Abby Dixon
Nickname: Abstar / Trusty Rusty
AFL Sydney Club: Newtown Breakaways
Position: Half Back
Junior Club: N/A
Favourite activity to do outside of football: Sink tinnies
What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Saying words like “struth” unironically
What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? A mate and inspiration to all. Abby is always calm, always up for a laugh and always puts the team first.
The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Nightshift as a paramedic.
Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Must save several lives and eat McDonald’s for breakfast.
Reason for nomination this round:
“We are really inspired by Abby’s resilience and positive attitude every round.”
Coach quote on Performance:
“As a debutant to the game you could be excused for thinking Abby is a seasoned veteran. Abby is one of those lucky players blessed with an abundance of natural talent and poise. Abby’s kicking ability is certainly one of her highlights and strongest assets and as she fine tunes her fundamental skills and craft we’ll all look forward to Abby developing in to one of the competitions shining lights. In addition to her fantastic foot skills, Abby also shows a great knack to make the right decisions time and time again. Cool under pressure and confident in traffic her decision making and ability to read the play at a rookie level is very good and very reliable.
Everyone at the Newtown Breakaways is grateful for Abby’s contribution this season, she’s been resolute in Defence and grown in stature and confidence and we’re all looking forward to watch Abby’s development over the coming seasons. Congratulations and Well done Abby.”
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