Mitch Duncan from the Geelong Cats is the Round Three NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
The 19-year-old utility had 24 possessions and nine marks in the Cats’ 79-point win over Port Adelaide at Skilled Stadium last Sunday. His two goals kicked on the run were a highlight.
Mitch made his AFL debut in Round One 2010 and played eight games last season. He has played all three games in 2011 and playing amongst Geelong’s experienced midfielders he is averaging 19 disposals.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said Duncan had made the most of the opportunity to break into the Cats side.
“Mitch put in a really good pre-season and he has taken that into the season. He is taking the opportunity that is there and he reads the play and uses the ball well. Mitch can play a variety of roles and he has the maturity and ability to develop into a very good player for the club,” he said.
Originally from the Carine Junior Football Club in Perth, Mitch represented Western Australia in both the 2008 and 2009 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. He was a member of the 2008 AIS-AFL Academy squad and was named an All-Australian 2009. Mitch was selection 56 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.