West Coast has lastly discovered the silver lining out of their 101-point derby demolition by the hands of Fremantle, with future star Elijah Hewett reaching a feat the membership haven’t seen in over a decade.
The 19-year-old turned the third Eagle this season to be nominated for the AFL’s rising star award after his 20 disposals, 10 contested possessions and 4 clearances on Saturday evening.
Reuben Ginbey was West Coast’s first nominee in spherical three earlier than 2022 mid-season draftee Jai Culley in spherical 6.
It’s the primary time the Eagles have had three Rising Star nominations in a season since 2011, the yr after profitable the wood spoon, when Luke Shuey, Jack Darling and Andrew Gaff had been nominated.
Shuey is becoming a member of Shannon Hurn and Nic Naitanui in retiring on the finish of this season.
After making his debut in spherical two, Hewett has performed 12 video games in his debut season and fought again from an early-season ankle damage.
His type throughout the final month has been significantly promising, hitting 21 disposals within the win over North Melbourne.
“It really feels great,” Hewett mentioned.
“I feel very grateful to receive the nomination and super proud of what I’ve been able to achieve the last few weeks and get a bit of reward for effort.
“It’s been a bit of a bumpy road, a slow start with a few injuries and niggles. I’ve finally been able to get some continuity in a few games, which has been great.
“To find some form at the back end of the season is great and should propel me to the start of next season.”
Hewett additionally mentioned West Coast followers must be excited in regards to the younger crop coming by means of.
“I’ve got some great connections with some of the younger boys like ‘Reubs’ (Reuben Ginbey) and ‘Longy’ (Noah Long) and mid-season draftee Ryan Maric, and we’re all really close, which is great,” he mentioned.
“We have a strong, young core, so the juxtaposition between us and the older boys, we’ve found great synergy, and hopefully, these relationships can last a long time and help with on-field success in the next few years.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
