AFL Sydney Rising Star nominees – Round 18

Men’s Round 18 Rising Star nominee

Name: Marc Sheather

Nickname: Sheath

AFL Sydney Club: Pennant Hills Demons

Position: Half Forward

Junior Club: Pennant Hills Juniors

Favourite activity to do outside of football: Go for a surf

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Coming down from the Central Coast to play 

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Being clean and getting amongst it with the fellas

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Snacking on some pasta and watching Netflix

Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Have to tie my laces a couple times before I feel that they’re right

Reason for nomination this round: 

“Marc made his Premier Division debut in Round 4 versus St George Dragons and has now played nine games in Premier Division. He has kicked 8 goals and has featured in the Demon’s best on five occasions. His best effort was in Round 18 in a morale boosting victory over Sydney University in which he kicked two vital goals for Pennant Hills and was ranked No 1 for the Demons. Marc has already earned a healthy respect for his ability as a key playmaker for Pennant Hills.”

Coach quote on Performance:

“At 17 years of age, Marc is already a great football talent at the Pennant Hills footy club. He is a quick, highly skilled player with an instinctive feel for the game. He is strong overhead, has quick hands and is a straight kick in front of goals. He had an immediate impact in his debut game, with his first three touches for the game all resulting in goals; his first touch was a handball assist and with his next two touches he marked and kicked two goals. He finished the day with 3 goals, 3 behinds and was named amongst the best for Pennant Hills. He brought his ‘A’ game to arguably the most important match for the Club so far this season, in the Round 18 come-from-behind victory over Sydney University. Marc is another of our young guns that has been an important player for the Demon’s in season 2019. And, incidentally, some people have remarked how Marc bears a striking resemblance to one of the Swan’s young guns … not only in looks, but also in potential talent!” Chris Yard, Premier Division Coach.

Women’s Round 18 Rising Star nominee

Name: Rylee McGartland

Nickname: Ry

AFL Sydney Club: East Coast Eagles

Position: Full Forward

Junior Club: Grew up playing soccer

Favourite activity to do outside of football: Hang out with family and friends

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Being loud and always up for a chat with just about anyone and works effortlessly to ensure they have a smile on their face by the time the chat is finished.

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? On the field, the leading target for our forward line. She is also known for being extremely adamant that all her behinds are the start of an intentional 7 point play. Off the field, she’s known for just having a laugh and getting around the gals.

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Just chilling at home watching the footy or a movie, whilst enjoying a carb heavy dinner.

Do they have any pre-game superstitions? Heaps. She has to get up 1hr and 5 minutes before she has to leave home. Every game day she has a Bagel with peanut butter, honey and a banana on it, followed by a skim latte in her blue mug. She always wears the same scrunchie and uses the same drink bottle. She puts her right boot on before her left. Has to wear hairspray and last but not least, reply to her Grandmas’ good luck text right before she plays and if she doesn’t she gets into trouble and plays significantly worse.

Reason for nomination this round:

“Rylee kicked 6 goals on the weekend and finished the home and away season as the Women’s Premier Division leading goal scorer. She is a motivational leader who contributes both on and off the field and she definitely led by example on the weekend.  Her work rate and defensive pressure was excellent and in addition to her goals, she created many scoring opportunities for her team mates.”

Coach quote on Performance:

“She is part of the EaGals Leadership Group and it was great to have her back from a finger injury and making a huge contribution. She averages a tad under 4 goals per game and she has been inspirational up forward.  Her commitment is absolutely outstanding, as she drives from Wollongong for every training session and game. It has been an absolute pleasure to coach Rylee and she is a major contributor to the teams’ success this season.”

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