TIME is running out to be part of the 2018 NAB AFL Rising Star class.
Only four more players will join a field headlined by Collingwood's Jaidyn Stephenson, Crow Tom Doedee, Brisbane's Alex Witherden, Swan Ben Ronke and Richmond's Jack Higgins.
The eligibility criteria is simple: footballers must be younger than 21 on January 1 and have played 10 games or fewer entering the season.
CLASS OF 2018 Check out all this year's nominees
That was how West Coast defender Tom Cole, in his third year but with only six games under his belt before the season and having turned 21 in May, was able to be the round 19 nominee.
Witherden, the award's pre-season favourite, was nominated in round nine and became just the 11th player to be recognised twice, following his nod in round 17 last year.
There are some obvious contenders waiting to be nominated, such as last year's No.2 draft pick Andrew Brayshaw, No.9 selection Aaron Naughton and diminutive Demon Charlie Spargo.
Brayshaw was stiff not to pip Cole this week, given he racked up a career-high 25 disposals, six score involvements, four tackles and a goal on Sunday.
Andrew Brayshaw has made an excellent impression at Fremantle. Picture: AFL Photos
Naughton, a strong-marking swingman who has spent most of his time in defence, is one of four top-10 choices from 2017 yet to receive a Rising Star call-up.
North Melbourne's Luke Davies-Uniacke, Saint Nick Coffield and Carlton's Lochie O'Brien are the others.
Essendon fans will shout Matt Guelfi's name, with the first-year West Australian averaging 15.5 disposals and 3.5 tackles in 13 matches – and impressive Docker Stefan Giro is another in the reckoning.
But do Guelfi and Giro have the star power the selectors look for in candidates?
Matt Guelfi has had an impressive first AFL season at Essendon. Picture: AFL Photos
That quality is something we are starting to see in rising Sun Will Brodie, a country Victorian who has taken time to hit his straps and iron out some kinks in his game.
Brodie was the ninth pick in the 2016 draft, but opportunities haven't come easy on the Gold Coast – he managed three matches last year and didn't play his first this season until round 11.
His main stumbling block? Improving his running and work away from stoppages.
But the 19-year-old has responded magnificently to average 23 disposals (10.5 contested), 5.3 clearances, 4.8 tackles and 3.8 inside 50s in the past month.
Brodie also racked up 50.7 pressure points per game in that period – good for the 33rd-most in the competition – compared to 40 in his earlier two matches.
"I'm trying to work on my gut-running, spread from stoppages, playing different positions and (expanding) my game, so that I can play good AFL footy when I get a chance," Brodie told AFL.com.au.
GOING UP A GEAR How young gun became a Suns regular
"This season has been a little bit frustrating. Any kid in the system wants to be playing AFL footy, and I feel like you're in a rush a fair bit.
"It's trusting the process and trusting the coaches and trying to chip away and do what they say. They do have your best interests at heart."
Suns coach Stuart Dew has hailed the young gun's progress and the Rising Star selectors should follow suit if his purple patch rages on.
Who else might get nominated?
Darcy Fogarty, Zac Bailey, Lachie Fogarty, James Worpel, Bailey Banfield, Jordan Gallucci, Sean Darcy, Josh Battle, Josh Daicos, Quinton Narkle, Harry Morrison, Aaron Francis, Brayden Sier, Bailey Rice, Brad Lynch
