The votes
Jaeger O'Meara - 44
Brad Crouch - 31
Ollie Wines - 26
Aaron Mullett - 11
Tom Mitchell - 11
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Possibly the standout individual performance of North Melbourne’s 2013 was Aaron Mullett’s transformation from being a talented youngster to an automatic selection in the club’s best 22.
It led to an early Rising Star nomination for the defender in Round 2 and with the award being announced on Wednesday, Mullett is right in contention for a top three finish.
PRESS PLAY above to watch Mullett's season highlights | YouTube
Playing off half back, Mullett ran out for all 22 matches. His pin-point left foot was a feature in setting up North’s attack and his disposal efficiency of 74.4 per cent reflected his reliability.
As teams locked down on Shaun Atley and attempted to stop his run, Mullett benefited and turned in consistent outings week after week. His only single-figure disposal game came against the Western Bulldogs in Round 7, when spent only 45 per cent of the game on the ground after rolling his ankle.
Perhaps most impressive in Mullett’s season was the fact he only conceded 20 goals in 22 games while playing on dangerous opposition small forwards.
NMFC.com.au compares Mullett’s chances with the other top nominees.
(Mullett’s numbers in brackets)
Jaeger O’Meara
Games played: 22 (22)
Total possessions: 476 (414)
Average possessions: 21.6 (18.8)
Goals: 16.11 (14.1)
Disposal efficiency: 70% (74.4%)
The deserving favourite to take out the award, O’Meara has been a sparkling addition to the promising Suns’ midfield. Initially selected in the 2011 mini-draft, the extra year to prepare for the rigours of AFL football has clearly benefited him, only having one game of less than 15 possessions in his debut season.
Brad Crouch
Games played: 14 (22)
Total possessions: 343 (414)
Average possessions: 24.5 (18.8)
Goals: 4.5 (14.1)
Disposal efficiency: 72.3% (74.4%)
After an injury-interrupted first half of the year, Crouch provided an extra dimension to the Adelaide midfield in the run home.
His possession average is the highest of all the nominees, but missing eight games for the season could hurt him compared to Mullett’s 22 consistent outings.
Oliver Wines
Games played: 22 (22)
Total possessions: 419 (414)
Average possessions: 19 (18.8)
Goals: 6.9 (14.1)
Disposal efficiency: 62.3% (74.4%)
Wines started the year on fire, mirroring Port Adelaide’s spectacular start to 2013. His 90 tackles for the home and away season showed his influence at the bottom of packs.
However in the last third of the season the physicality of AFL football seemed to take its toll. After his 24 possession game against Essendon in Round 15, Wines had 16 disposals or less six times in the last eight games.
By contrast, Mullett finished the season maintaining his average in rebound 50’s and had a career high 32 disposals in Round 19 against Geelong.
Sam Mayes
Games played: 18 (22)
Total possessions: 301 (414)
Average possessions: 16.7 (18.8)
Goals: 12.5 (14.1)
Disposal efficiency: 73.1% (74.4%)
Taken with pick 8 in the 2012 National Draft, the left-footed Mayes spent most of his year for Brisbane on a wing impressing with his disposal, by foot and hand.
Perhaps slightly overshadowed by the slightly more experienced players in the Lions’ midfield, Mayes nevertheless was a consistent part of the best 22 in the second half of the year, providing run on the outside.
Five of Mayes’ top six disposal games resulted in Brisbane wins.
Nick Vlastuin could also end up in the top five after an impressive 17-game home and away season.
