AFL Sydney Rising Star nominees – Round 17
Women’s Round 17 Rising Star nominee
Name: Anna Pellen
Nickname: Mighty Mouse or GOANNA
AFL Sydney Club: UNSW Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs
Position: On ball, wing
Junior Club: n/a
Favourite activity to do outside of football: Solving complicated maths equations or playing quidditch
What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? They are a distant relative of Speedy Gonzalez and the Road Runner
What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Anything the coaches need Anna is there. She is reliable and always willing to help out in any way shape or form and in any division
The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Re-reading their self-written book – How to take huge overhead marks above any opponent who is half a metre taller than me
Do they have any pre-game superstitions? When they arrive at the field, they must be wearing Birkenstocks and a pair of long blue socks with bulldogs all over them.
Reason for nomination this round:
“Anna’s ability to use her speed to get to the contest and then to have an impact on the play. She than held space perfectly so as she could easily run to defend or attack when needed.”
Coach quote on Performance:
“Don’t define Anna by her stature. She plays tall, is a hard ball get player and somehow always manages to land on her feet. She positioned herself well and played a defensive and attacking role perfectly.”
Men’s Round 17 Rising Star nominee
Name: Jacob Bauer
Nickname: Jacob
AFL Sydney Club: Inner West Magpies
Position: Wing/Half Fwd
Junior Club: Western Suburbs
Favourite activity to do outside of football: Hang with his mates, play X-Box
What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Having the longest arms in the team
What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Lead up forward or winger with exceptional marking skills.
The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Watching the footy and loading up with some carbs.
Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Both boots need to be tied up twice, with right boot tighter than the left.
Reason for nomination this round:
“Played massive role in the team on a day that the team didn’t perform that well, with some telling grabs.”
Coach quote on Performance:
“Jacob has only just turned 17 and has played 8 senior games this year. He is very coachable and always puts the team first. In some crunch times including last week’s Manly game and previously against Pennant Hills and East Coast he has taken telling contested marks.
His competitive nature means he never gets beaten for the ball and his pace and agility are a real asset.
We have organised Jacob to get invited by the Swans Academy to do benchmark in the upcoming off season and know he will acquit himself well.
Just a great kid.”
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