World Footy News

Shane Savage from Hawthorn Football Club is the Round Eight NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.  The 20-year-old New Zealand born midfielder played his best match for the Hawks with a career-high 26 disposals, 14 marks, five tackles and two goals in the 30-point win over St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday.

 

Shane debuted for the Hawks in 2009 and played the last three matches of the home and away season. Despite being named as an emergency eight times in 2010, he made no senior appearances. In 2011 Shane has now played in all eight matches for the Hawks.

 

 

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said Shane has earned his place amongst the Hawthorn midfielders, playing every game this season.

 

“Shane has stepped up this year and has injected a great deal of pace, energy and footy nous into the team. His long, penetrating kick and ability to find the goals has been a great feature of his game and he has been a valued and consistent performer in 2011.

 

“It has been really pleasing that Shane, along with other youngsters Liam Shiels, Matt Suckling and Luke Breust, have not only earned a senior berth this season through their hard work and talent, but they have all contributed to the side with some fantastic performances.    

“This nomination is a great nod to a young kid who has shown much improvement over the course of his three years at this club and I think from a members’ and supporters’ point of view, is one to watch in coming years.”

 

Recruited from the Noble Park Junior Football Club at the age of 17 (drafted alongside Liam Shiels), Shane was Hawthorn’s fifth selection in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft (selection 75 overall).

Following each round of the home and away season, a panel of judges will select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2011 NAB AFL Rising Star.
 
The 2011 NAB AFL Rising Star will receive a personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.
 
NAB will recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Each of the 24 clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award, a package of practical and financial resources designed to assist them in developing future champions.
 
The NAB AFL Rising Star is the pinnacle of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.
 
The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program provides recognition and a clearly identifiable direction for a player's career, and comprises the following elements:
 
· NAB AFL Rising Star
· NAB AFL Draft
· NAB AFL Draft Combine
· NAB AFL Under 18 Championships
· AIS-AFL Academy
· NAB AFL Under 16 Championships