Who will win the 2025 AFL Rising Star?
Since 1993, the AFL Rising Star award has recognised the league’s best young talent, crowning one standout player each season with the prestigious Ron Evans Medal.
The 2025 field is as strong as ever, with several exciting prospects making their mark across the competition. But in a tightly contested race, a few names have risen above the rest — while others are lurking as surprise smokeys.
So, who will etch their name into AFL history in 2025? Who are the top contenders? And which young guns could sneak onto the podium?
Read on for Sportbet’s 2025 AFL Rising Star Award Tips & Predictions — including leading contenders, dark horses, and the full list of nominees.
Who Will Win the AFL Rising Star Award 2025 - Top Contenders
Levi Ashcroft
The pre-season favourite, Ashcroft, hit the ground running in 2025. His early nomination backed up his form as he seamlessly slotted into the Lions’ best 22.
Still playing meaningful footy deep into finals, expect Ashcroft to feature prominently in the final vote count — likely on the podium.
Murphy Reid
He dazzled on debut with four goals in a row, and from then on, Murphy Reid has been one of the most consistent and exciting performers in 2025.
His silky skills and elite ball use have kept him in Rising Star contention all season. He’s a clear favourite — and likely to finish on the podium, if not at the very top.
Dan Curtin
Curtin’s rise has mirrored the Crows’ surge up the ladder in 2025. At various points in the season, he was the outright favourite to take home the award.
Whether on the wing, up forward, or through the middle, Curtin’s versatility and impact justified Adelaide’s bold draft-day trade to secure him. Has he done enough to pip Reid and Ashcroft?
Harvey Langford
Despite a tough season for Melbourne, Langford shone brightly, establishing himself as a star of the future in Red and Blue.
He played all 22 games, averaged 17.9 disposals, and kicked 14 goals, proving his worth across multiple positions.
A consistent presence in the Dees’ midfield rotation and a top-10 finisher in the club’s best and fairest — he’s a strong chance to poll well.
Connor O’Sullivan
After playing just the one game in his debut season last year, O’Sullivan fitted in seamlessly to the Geelong defensive group in 2025, showing all the hallmarks of a premium tall defender.
Showing his composure under pressure and confidence in the air, his intercepting ability was on show, and he won several of his one-on-one battles against more seasoned opponents.
He’s had an excellent year and is a name to keep in mind when the votes are tallied.
2025 Rising Star Award Smokeys - Value Picks
Archie Roberts
One of only a handful of Bombers to play every game in 2025, Roberts grew in confidence and output each week.
Averaging 24.5 disposals per game, with a season-high 34 in the Dreamtime clash, Roberts has the numbers to surprise. He’s a serious top-five smokey.
Finn O’Sullivan
The young Roo quickly became one of the most exciting first-year players in 2025.
Deployed across half back and across the wing early in his first year, before unleashing him closer to goal, showcased his versatility across all areas of the ground to be among the contenders for the Rising Star award this season.
His standout performance came in Round 15, where he collected 18 disposals at 75% efficiency, three intercept possessions, and three score involvements, capping off several weeks of strong performances to help the Roos down the Blues.
Isaac Kako
Despite a tough season for Melbourne, Langford shone brightly. He played all 22 games, averaged 17.9 disposals, and kicked 14 goals, proving his worth across multiple positions.
A consistent presence in the Dees’ midfield rotation and a top-10 finisher in the club’s best and fairest — he’s a strong chance to poll well.
Full List: 2025 Rising Star Award Nominees
Round 1 - Sam Lalor - Richmond
Round 2 - Connor O’Sullivan - Geelong
Round 3 - Harvey Langford - Melbourne
Round 4 - Levi Ashcroft - Brisbane
Round 5 - Archie Roberts - Essendon
Round 6 - Murphy Reid - Fremantle
Round 7 - Xavier Lindsay - Melbourne
Round 8 - Hugo Garcia - St Kilda
Round 9 - Nate Caddy - Essendon
Round 10 - Cooper Lord - Carlton
Round 11 - Angus Clarke - Essendon
Round 12 - Ed Allan - Collingwood
Round 13 - Dan Curtin - Adelaide
Round 14 - Tyrell Dewar - West Coast
Round 15 - Finn O’Sullivan - North Melbourne
Round 16 - Clay Hall - West Coast
Round 17 - Isaac Kako - Essendon
Round 18 - Luke Trainor - Richmond
Round 19 - Ashton Moir - Carlton
Round 20 - Joe Fonti - GWS Giants
Round 21 - Ethan Read - Gold Coast
Round 22 - Hugh Boxshall - St Kilda
Round 23 - Harry Rowston - GWS Giants
Round 24 - Matt Carroll - Carlton
Who Has Won the AFL Rising Star Award?
2024 - Ollie Dempsey - Geelong
2023 - Harry Sheezel - North Melbourne
2022 - Nick Daicos - Collingwood
2021 - Luke Jackson - Melbourne
2020 - Caleb Serong - Fremantle
2019 - Sam Walsh - Carlton
2018 - Jaidyn Stephenson - Collingwood
2017 - Andrew McGrath - Essendon
2016 - Callum Mills - Sydney
2015 - Jesse Hogan - Melbourne
2014 - Lewis Taylor - Brisbane
2013 - Jaeger O’Meara - Gold Coast
2012 - Daniel Talia - Adelaide
2011- Dyson Heppell - Essendon
2010 - Daniel Hannebery - Sydney
2009 - Daniel Rich - Brisbane
2008 - Rhys Palmer - Fremantle
2007 - Joel Selwood - Geelong
2006 - Danyle Pearce - Port Adelaide
2005 - Brett Deledio - Richmond
2004 - Jared Rivers - Melbourne
2003 - Sam Mitchell - Hawthorn
2002 - Nick Riewoldt - St Kilda
2001 - Justin Koschitzke - St Kilda
2000 - Paul Haselby - Fremantle
1999 - Adam Goodes - Sydney
1998 - Byron Pickett - North Melbourne
1997 - Michael Wilson - Port Adelaide
1996 - Ben Cousins - West Coast
1995 - Nick Holland - Hawthorn
1994 - Chris Scott - Brisbane
1993 - Nathan Buckley - Brisbane