Hugh McCluggage from the Brisbane Lions is the Round 14 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
In just his tenth senior game, the 19-year-old impressed, gathering 19 possessions and laying two tackles against the GWS Giants on Saturday.
McCluggage played TAC Cup football with the North Ballarat Rebels where he averaged 27 disposals and six clearances in 12 games, and booted 25 goals. The midfielder represented Victoria Country in the 2016 NAB AFL National Under-18 Championships where he was named Vic Country's most consistent player and judged its most valuable throughout the Championship, averaging 20 disposals. That same year he won the TAC Cup’s Morrish Medal and was named an All Australian.
A member of the NAB AFL Academy, the youngster’s tidy and effective kicking stood out along with his strong ability to take an overhead mark. McCluggage made his AFL debut for the Lions in Round Three of the 2017 Toyota AFL Premiership season against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
The 186cm midfielder was Brisbane’s first selection and third overall in the 2016 NAB AFL National Draft.
McCluggage played his junior football with the Allansford Football Netball Club in the Warrnambool & District Football Netball League.
The nomination is the Lions' second of the year, following Eric Hipwood in Round 5.
