Brisbane Lions midfielder Jaspa Fletcher is the AFL Rising Star nominee for Round 19, following his season-best performance in Saturday’s 11-point win over Geelong.

The 19-year-old becomes the Club’s third nomination for 2023, joining fellow emerging Lions Darcy Wilmot (Round 14) and housemate Will Ashcroft (Round 2).

Fletcher has been a strong contributor for Brisbane since making his debut in Round 14’s win against Sydney.

The Brisbane Lions Academy product took his game to a new level against Geelong to record career-best numbers - including 19 disposals, eight marks and two clearances.

“One of the things that impresses me the most about Jaspa is his composure under the pressure of AFL footy,” Brisbane Lions senior coach Chris Fagan said.

“It surprised me because you often see young players come in and take time to adapt to the pressure, but his decision making, and his calmness is beyond his years.

“And we have seen him stand up in big games the last two weeks against Geelong and Melbourne. There are no more stern tests than those two in terms of physicality and intensity.”

Coming through the Queensland talent pathway, the Sherwood junior has followed in the footsteps of his father and former Lion Adrian Fletcher, who played a total of 231 games with Brisbane, Geelong, St Kilda and Fremantle.

Though the form of the first-year Lion has him quickly making a name for himself and earning high praise from his coach in the process.

“What is also impressive about Jaspa is that he didn’t get to complete a full pre-season, as he had stress fractures in his back and missed a lot of training,” Fagan highlighted.

“This meant he has had to come into the team in the middle of the season yet has still been able to make a real impact and hold his spot, so he is thoroughly deserving of his Rising Star nomination.”