2021 Mecwacare Men’s Rising Star: Shortlist

The 2021 Mecwacare Men’s Rising Star Shortlist has been finalised, with five players in the running to take out the award later this month.

Congratulations to the following finalists:

• Ed Nichols (Old Melburnians)
• Josh Le Grice (Old Brighton)
• Ben Overman (St Bernard’s)
• Matt Presutto (SKOB)
• Angus Grant (Old Mentonians)

Ed Nichols (Old Melburnians): Round 1

The first nominee of the year after his BOG performance against Caulfield Grammarians, Nichols has been a standout for OM’s in his first season at the club. In his seven games, Nichols kicked 18 goals and was named in the best four times. He slotted at least two goals in all but one game, including a five-goal haul against Uni Blues.

What the club said: “Ned’s ability to make good quick decisions in traffic and he has a great goal sense. He has exceptional skills, sure hands and has a great team ethos.”

Josh Le Grice (Old Brighton): Round 5

Le Grice was a standout during the Tonners’ 12-point victory over Old Melburnians in Round 5 and formed a key part of the defensive unit that ranked third in William Buck Premier this season. He is the fourth Brighton player to be shortlisted since 2016 with teammates Harry Hill, Anthony Zimmerman and Hamish Dick three of the previous four winners.

What the club said: “He is renowned for being an easy-going person who always supports his teammates and will do anything to win, and he plays like Richmond premiership player, Liam Baker.”

Ben Overman (St Bernard’s): Round 10

A picture of consistency this season, Overman received the Round 10 nomination following his outstanding performance in the Snow Dogs’ 49-point win over Collegians. He was named in the best a team-high eight times from his 11 games and kicked six goals for the year.

What the club said: “Ben began at St Bernard’s in our Junior Auskick program when he was five years old. He’s deceptively quick, a long and usually accurate kick – much like Adelaide’s Lachlan Sholl.”

Matt Presutto (St Kevin’s OB) – Round 11

Presutto was named the Rising Star following his best-on-ground performance against Collegians that included 22 disposals and two goals. He’s been a revelation for the second-placed SKOB, named in the best players six times from his 11 games.

What the club said: “Matt is a very calm and composed winner of the ball and an exceptional distributor off the half back line. Not surprisingly, his favourite AFL player and a model for his own game is Caleb Daniel of the Western Bulldogs.”

Angus Grant (Old Mentonians) – Round 12

Round 12 certainly belonged to Grant after he booted eight goals in a BOG display against Preston Bullants. He debuted at senior level in Round 1 and played every game for 18 goals among the five times he was named in the best.

What the club said: “Angus has the flexibility to play multiple roles, ruck, key back / key forward and/or wing. He has impressed everyone with his courage, competitiveness, skills and footy smarts.”