Deledio scoops Rising Star Award

Young gun Richmond midfielder Brett Deledio has taken out the 2005 AFL Rising Star Medal, edging out Bulldog midfielder Ryan Griffen to win the prestigious award given to the most promising young footballer to emerge during the year.

Deledio was understandably excited with his victory.

“I’m very nervous and overawed by the whole thing, I am speechless. It’s been great fun playing football this year.”

Deledio became the first Richmond player to ever win the award since it’s inception in 1993, polled 43 votes compared to Griffen, who finishing second on 34 votes.

Rounding out the top five were Fremantle’s David Mundy (19), Melbourne’s Brock McLean (15) and Brisbane’s Jed Adcock (14).

Their were nine officiating judges, who gave votes on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis with Deledio and Griffen getting the nod as the top two players by all judges, except ex-Richmond star Kevin Bartlett who amazingly couldn’t find a spot for Griffen in his top five.

To win the player must have been aged under 21 at the commencement of the year, and not have played more than 10 games before the start of this season. Also a nominee must not be suspended during the course of the year, and there is a nomination in each of the 22 rounds.

Deledio was just the second Number One draft pick to ever win the award, the feat only matched by St Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt in 2002.

Deledio averaged 15 possessions, four marks and two tackles, per game and booted 14 goals. He also played in all of the Tigers’ 22 home-and-away matches this year and has already drawn comparisons with West Coast Eagle midfield superstar Chris Judd.

A plethora of young talent were nominated, but only 11 of the 22 nominees received votes from the esteemed panel of judges.

Deledio was presented with the coveted Rising Star Medal by last year’s winner Jared Rivers at Melbourne’s Crown Palladium. He has also won a personal investment portfolio and the services of a dedicated private banking manager from the National Australia Bank.

The winner of the Rising Star Medal was chosen by the All-Australian selectors: Andrew Demetriou, Adrian Anderson, Rod Austin, Kevin Bartlett, Gerard Healy, Neil Kerley, Chris Mainwaring, Robert Walls, plus the AFL National Talent Manager, Kevin Sheehan.

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