AFL Sydney Rising Star nominees – Round Nine

Image courtesy of Leigh Gazzard

Women’s Round Nine Rising Star nominee

Name: Claudia Sheffield

Nickname: Shef

AFL Sydney Club: UTS AFC

Position: Wing

Junior Club:  N/A

Favourite activity to do outside of football: Bush Walking or Soccer

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Claudia confused her team mates last week by turning up to training sporting a new hairdo from the Sporty Blonde to the Mysterious Brunette! Several players didn’t recognise her!

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field? Claudia is new to the club this year but has settled in really well adding pace as a key running Winger.

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Out to dinner with friends or sometimes watching the footy!

Do they have any pre-game superstitions? No Superstitions

Reason for nomination this round:

“Claudia has fitness and pace which has really stood out when she has been called up to play Prems twice now and on both occasions had already played a full game for Div 3. Having played in both the Div 3 and Prems Teams this week Claudia also makes history with the Women’s UTS teams as they had their first ever double win, and Claudia’s efforts on ground helped the Prems Team celebrate their first win of the season!”

Coach quote on Performance:

“Claudia is a great asset to have on the wing with her speed and fitness she can run all day providing the midfielders support. She is a regular at training working on her skills allowing her to seamlessly lift to play Prems footy when needed. Claudia also has a great vertical leap allowing her to take some great marks up high and contest in the air and every game that she plays she has continued to develop, I am looking forward to seeing the full impact of what she can bring when she hasn’t played a game prior but Claudia’s fitness to run out all 8 quarters of footy is impressive!”

Men’s Round Nine Rising Star nominee

Name: Thomas Drum

Nickname: Drummy, Snare

AFL Sydney Club: UTS AFC

Position: Ruckman/Key Position

Junior Club: Hornsby Berowra Eagles

Favourite activity to do outside of football: Bit of Poker on a Wednesday night

What is one thing that we don’t know about this Rising Star that they are well known for around the club? Being just about the only bloke from Sydney in the side.

What role do they play for the club both on and off the field?   Put in a good hard crack on the field and try to get around some events back at the club.

The night before the game what will they most likely be doing? Listening to Brian Taylor’s immaculate call of Friday night footy.

Do they have any pre-game superstitions?  Have to get on the ground barefoot before changing into the boots.

Reason for nomination this round: 

“A very dominant performance for us following up from previous strong performances in rounds prior.”

Coach quote on Performance:

“Tom played a huge game for us this round. While in previous games he has been used across all key positions, this game he played primarily up forward where he took multiple contested marks inside 50 that he converted to goals. Through his relentless effort he gave us every opportunity to win the game.

Tom’s strength, positioning, mobility for a big man and footy nous is something that belies his age. His attitude and work effort every game he has played for us has been tremendous!”

Image courtesy of Leigh Gazzard

Keep up-to-date with all AFL Sydney related news by following us on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.