AFL Sydney Rising Star nominees – Round 14

Women’s Round 14 Rising Star nominee

Name: Caelah Stanley

Nickname:  Cae

AFL Sydney Club: East Coast Eagles

Position: Half Back

Junior Club: None

Favourite activity to do outside of football: Caelah’s favourite activity outside of football is going to the gym or doing sprint training!

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Caelah recently just launched her business in women’s sport, called ‘The Best’, a hybrid creative agency x sports agency. It has a full sponsorship ecosystem to support professional female athletes. It’s been a pleasure watching this come to life and seeing the rest of the girls and club wholeheartedly support her business endeavours!

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? The fact that not a single person on the team would run at her indicates that she’s one of the strongest, most reliable defenders in the game. Off the field she’s a very valued member of the team for her attitude, friendliness, and love for the team.

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Cooking an aesthetically pleasing food bowl that literally everyone on the team wants one of.

Do they have any pre-game superstitions? A coffee before the game and activation in the change room with a PTP band!

Reason for nomination this round: 

“Caelah played an outstanding game on the weekend and was instrumental in the teams’ win.  She consistently provided rebound out of defence and set up numerous scoring opportunities.  Her ability to win contested possessions and turn defence into attack was outstanding.  In her first season of AFL, she has excelled and she showed her talent and skills on the weekend, making the best players in a standout performance.”

Coach quote on Performance:

“Caelah is an elite athlete who is new to AFL this season having played her first two games in Division Two and then the following nine in Premier Division, and making the best players on six occasions.  She has come from a soccer and rugby background but has adapted to AFL extremely quickly and has developed into a key player for the Eagals.  Caelah is a strong and disciplined player who has lowered the colours of several key opponents this season and continues to develop her knowledge of the game and her skills.  She works tirelessly both on and off the track to develop her game and is a great team player.  Her thirst for knowledge and passion for the game makes her an absolute pleasure to coach.”

Men’s Round 14 Rising Star nominee

Name: Braeden Campbell

Nickname:  BJ

AFL Sydney Club: Pennant Hills Seniors

Position: Midfield or Forward

Junior Club: Westbrook

Favourite activity to do outside of football: Surfing & snowboarding

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Ability to kick long on both feet

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? I’m happy to try to bring some of the learnings to the club that I have gained from playing in the Swans, NSW and All Australian teams. At the same time I am happy to play wherever the coach wants me to. Off field, I’m still new to the club so happy to learn new ideas from the more senior players.

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Eating pasta and watching footy

Do they have any pre-game superstitions? I always have to put my left boot on before my right boot

Reason for nomination this round: 

“In Round 14, in a stand-out performance, Braeden kicked 4 goals and was the best afield for the Pennant Hills Demons. He was a key contributor to the Demon’s victory over Manly Warringah. In four games so far this season, Braeden has kicked 7 goals and has been in Pennant Hills Best on two occasions.”

Coach quote on Performance:

“At 17 years of age, Braeden is a rare football talent. He is an instinctive player and already has a highly developed ability to read the game. He has an exquisite kicking style … long, raking and accurate and is adept on both sides of his body. In only four games so far this season, BJ has already earned the respect of his more experienced team-mates and is quickly emerging as one of the team’s key playmakers. As a testament to his talent and huge potential, BJ represented Australia in this season’s Under 18 ANZAC match against New Zealand.” – Chris Yard, Premier Division Coach

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