So you want to get a handle on the Geelong Cats rising star nominations—who’s been recognized, what it means, and how you can track the next wave of talent coming through the Cattery? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a die-hard Cats supporter who remembers every debut since the 1990s, or a newer fan trying to figure out why everyone’s buzzing about a 19-year-old from the VFL team, this checklist will walk you through everything you need to know.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to identify rising star nominees, understand the selection criteria, spot future stars before they make the big time, and even predict who might be next to follow in the footsteps of Joel Selwood or Patrick Dangerfield. Let’s dive in.

Prerequisites / What You Need

Before you start tracking Geelong Cats rising star nominations like a pro, make sure you’ve got these basics covered:

A basic understanding of the AFL competition – You don’t need to be a stats guru, but knowing how the season works helps.
Access to the AFL website or app – Official nomination announcements drop there first.
A love for young talent – This is about spotting the next Tom Hawkins or Selwood before they’re household names.
Patience – Rising star nominations are spread across the season, so this isn’t a one-and-done deal.
A notepad or digital tracker – You’ll want to keep tabs on nominees, their stats, and their progress.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Understand What a Rising Star Nomination Actually Is

Let’s start with the basics. The AFL Rising Star award is given to the best young player in the competition each season. But here’s the catch—players must be under 21 at the start of the year and have played fewer than 10 games before the current season. Each round, one player gets a nomination. At the end of the season, a winner is chosen from all nominees.

For Geelong, this is a big deal. The Cats have a proud history of developing young talent, and a rising star nomination is often the first sign that a future champion is emerging. Think about it: Joel Selwood was a rising star nominee in 2007. Patrick Dangerfield? He was nominated back in 2008 when he was at Adelaide. Even Tom Hawkins got a nod in 2009. These nominations aren’t just participation trophies—they’re a glimpse into the future.

Step 2: Know the Key Criteria for Eligibility

Not every young player at Kardinia Park is eligible. Here’s what the AFL looks for:

Age: The player must be under 21 as of January 1 of the current season. So for the 2025 AFL season, anyone born after January 1, 2004, qualifies.
Experience: They can’t have played more than 10 AFL games before the start of the season. A debut in round 1 is fine, but if they’ve already racked up 15 games, they’re out.
Club status: The player must be on an AFL list. Geelong VFL players who aren’t on the main list don’t qualify—though they can still be drafted later and become eligible.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on players who debuted late in the previous season. They might have just a handful of games under their belt, making them prime candidates for a nomination in the upcoming season.

Step 3: Track Geelong’s Recent Rising Star Nominees

To spot future stars, you need to know the history. Here are some of the Cats’ recent nominees (since 2020):

2024: No Geelong player received a nomination—a rare quiet year for the Cats on this front.
2023: Jhye Clark (round 19) – A tough midfielder who showed glimpses of class before an injury-interrupted season.
2022: Max Holmes (round 14) – Now a key part of Geelong’s midfield, Holmes has become one of the most exciting young players in the AFL.
2021: No Geelong nominee.
2020: Sam De Koning (round 13) – Now a crucial part of the Cats’ backline, De Koning has grown into a reliable defender.

Notice a pattern? The Cats don’t always get a nominee every year. But when they do, those players often become long-term stars. Coach Scott has a reputation for developing talent slowly, so don’t be surprised if a player who gets a nomination in 2025 doesn’t hit their peak until 2027 or 2028.

Step 4: Identify the Next Wave of Potential Nominees

Now for the fun part—predicting who might be next. For the 2025 AFL season, here are a few names to watch:

Toby Conway – The young ruckman has been developing in the VFL team and could get a chance if the Cats need cover. His size and tap work are impressive.
Ollie Dempsey – A versatile forward/midfielder who showed flashes in 2024. If he gets consistent game time, he’s a strong candidate.
Mitch Knevitt – Already has a few games under his belt, but still eligible. He’s a big-bodied midfielder who could break out.
Phoenix Foster – A raw talent from the draft, but if he debuts early, watch out.

Keep an eye on Geelong’s draft picks from the most recent AFL Draft. The Cats often use early picks on mature-age talent, but they also snag raw prospects who take a year or two to develop. The Kardinia Park Redevelopment has given the club better training facilities, which means young players are developing faster than ever.

Step 5: Follow the Nomination Announcements Each Round

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. The AFL announces rising star nominations every Tuesday during the season. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

Check the AFL website – They post the official announcement with a video package.
Follow Geelong’s social media – The Cats usually hype up any nominee from their club.
Join fan forums – Sites like BigFooty or the Geelong Cats Insider community often discuss nominees before the official announcement.

When a nomination drops, look at the player’s stats for that round. The AFL typically picks a player who had a standout game, but consistency also matters. If a young Cat strings together three or four good games, they’re likely to get a nod.

Step 6: Analyze What a Nomination Means for the Player’s Future

Not all rising star nominees become superstars. Some fade away. But for Geelong, the track record is strong. Here’s what to look for after a nomination:

Increased game time – If the player starts getting more minutes in the AFL, that’s a good sign.
Contract extensions – The Cats usually lock in young talent quickly. A nomination often leads to a new deal.
Brownlow Medal votes – If a rising star nominee starts polling votes, they’re on the right track.

For example, Max Holmes got his nomination in 2022 and has since become a key part of Geelong’s midfield. Sam De Koning’s nomination in 2020 was followed by a steady rise into the backline. Joel Selwood? He won the rising star award itself in 2007 and went on to become one of the greatest captains in AFL history.

Step 7: Compare Geelong’s Nominees to Other Clubs

This step is optional, but it gives you context. The Cats don’t always have the most nominees, but they have a high hit rate. Compare Geelong’s development system to clubs like Collingwood or Sydney, who often have multiple nominees in a season. The difference? Geelong tends to develop players slowly, so their nominees are often more polished by the time they’re recognized.

For instance, in 2023, Jhye Clark was Geelong’s only nominee. But compare him to a player like Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne) who won the award that year. Sheezel was a star from day one, while Clark needed time. That’s the Geelong way—patient development.

Step 8: Use Nominations to Predict Future Success

This is where you can get ahead of the curve. If a Geelong rising star nominee shows consistency in their second and third seasons, they’re likely to become a key player. Look for:

Improved disposal efficiency – Young players often turn the ball over. If they clean that up, they’re on the rise.
Leadership qualities – Do they talk on the field? Are they vocal in the huddle? That’s a sign of future captain material.
Physical development – The Cats have a strong fitness program. If a player bulks up or improves their endurance, watch out.

For the 2025 AFL season, keep an eye on players who get a nomination early in the season. They often have the rest of the year to build on their form and could be key contributors in the AFL Finals Series.

Pro Tips / Common Mistakes

Let me save you some headaches. Here are the biggest mistakes people make when tracking rising star nominations:

Mistake #1: Ignoring the age cutoff I’ve seen fans get excited about a 22-year-old who has a breakout season, only to realize they’re too old. Always check the birthdate.

Mistake #2: Assuming every nominee becomes a star Not true. Some players get a nomination due to a single standout game and then fade. Look for consistency over hype.

Mistake #3: Forgetting about the VFL team Geelong’s VFL team is a goldmine for future stars. Players like Tom Hawkins and Joel Selwood spent time in the reserves before making their mark. Don’t ignore that pathway.

Mistake #4: Overlooking midfielders The AFL tends to favor midfielders for rising star nominations because they get more touches. But Geelong has a history of developing key position players. Don’t sleep on a tall forward or defender.

Pro Tip: Watch the preseason The AFL preseason is a great indicator. If a young player impresses in the practice matches, they’re likely to get early game time and a potential nomination.

Checklist Summary

Here’s your quick-reference checklist for tracking Geelong Cats rising star nominations:

Understand what a rising star nomination is and why it matters
Know the eligibility criteria (under 21, fewer than 10 games)
Review Geelong’s recent nominees (2020–2024)
Identify potential nominees for the 2025 AFL season
Follow weekly nomination announcements (Tuesdays)
Analyze what a nomination means for the player’s future
Compare Geelong’s nominees to other clubs for context
Use nominations to predict future success (consistency, leadership, physical development)
Avoid common mistakes (age cutoff, hype, ignoring VFL team)
Watch the preseason for early signs of emerging talent

Now you’re ready to track the next generation of Geelong stars. Whether it’s a future Brownlow Medal winner or a key player in the Cats’ next AFL Premiership, these rising star nominations are your first clue. Keep this checklist handy, and you’ll never miss a moment of the action.

For more insights on the Cats’ journey, check out our season previews, the 2025 season preview, and our finals pathway analysis. The future is bright at the Cattery.

Geelong Cats Rising Star Nominations: Future Stars