It’s probably fair to say that Mitch Golby’s nomination for the AFL Rising Star Award didn’t earn the same level of hype that generally surrounds promising young players from some other clubs.

When his name was first revealed as the Round 8 nominee, a number of media agencies were forced to consult their 2012 Season Guide magazine for more information on the product from Kilcunda-Bass in country Victoria, while most opposition supporters were left asking “Mitch who?”

Even now, Golby’s enormous contribution to the Brisbane Lions in 2012 still often goes unnoticed by those outside of the Club and its fans.

Most fans would agree that the former Rookie has been the Lions’ most improved player, considering he’s played in every senior match so far this season and established a position among the tight-knit back six.

Golby’s ability to provide the backline with a mixture of stability and dash has also benefited the likes of Pearce Hanley and Ash McGrath, who have been released to play more minutes on the wing and in attack respectively.

It therefore comes as some surprise to see the 20 year-old listed as only a relatively outside chance to achieve what his team-mate Daniel Rich did in 2009 - and that is take home the 2012 AFL Rising Star Award.

Greater Western Sydney forward Jeremy Cameron is a deserved favourite for the honour at the midway mark of the season, while more than half-a-dozen others are currently ahead of Golby according to the betting agencies.

But statistically, it’s little wonder why his stocks aren’t currently higher.

Among the 13 players to have already earned Rising Star nominations in 2012, Golby ranks equal first in games (12), first in kicks (126), first in disposals (224), equal first in tackles (43), second in rebound 50s (32), and equal third in one per centers (44).

The only category he currently doesn’t feature in the top five for is goals - which will always prove difficult for a half-backman.

Regardless of external perceptions, the Lions are simply pleased to have added another quality player to the Club’s exciting stable of young talent.

2012 AFL Rising Star Nominee Stats (Top 5)

GAMES
12 - Mitch Golby (BL)
12 - Daniel Talia (Adel)
11 - Tomas Bugg (GWS)
11 - Steven Motlop (Geel)
11 - Dylan Shiel (GWS)
11 - Ben Sinclair (Coll)
11 - Tom McDonald (Melb)

KICKS
126 - Mitch Golby (BL)
109 - Steven Motlop (Geel)
98 - Dylan Shiel (GWS)
97 - Stephen Coniglio (GWS)
93 - Tomas Bugg (GWS)

HANDBALLS
135 - Mitch Wallis (WB)
114 - Dylan Shiel (GWS)
100 - Tom McDonald (Melb)
104 - Tomas Bugg (GWS)
98 - Mitch Golby (BL)

DISPOSALS
224 - Mitch Golby (BL)
218 - Mitch Wallis (WB)
212 - Dylan Shiel (GWS)
197 - Tomas Bugg (GWS)
186 - Stephen Coniglio (GWS)

GOALS
21 - Jeremy Cameron (GWS)
16 - Steven Motlop (Geel)
11 - Ben Sinclair (Coll)
5 - Mitch Wallis (WB)
5 - Dylan Shiel (GWS)

TACKLES
43 - Mitch Golby (BL)
43 - Mitch Wallis (WB)
42 - Tomas Bugg (GWS)
40 - Dylan Shiel (GWS)
30 - Ben Sinclair (Coll)

INSIDE 50
36 - Steven Motlop (Geel)
27 - Stephen Coniglio (GWS)
25 - Ben Sinclair (Coll)
21 - Jeremy Cameron (GWS)
14 - Mitch Golby (BL)

REBOUND 50
38 - Tom McDonald (Mel)
32 - Mitch Golby (BL)
28 - Tomas Bugg (GWS)
19 - Dylan Grimes (Rich)
17 - Dylan Shiel (GWS)

ONE PER CENTERS
77 - Daniel Talia (Adel)
63 - Tom McDonald (Mel)
44 - Mitch Golby (BL)
44 - Jake Carlisle (Ess)
42 - Dylan Grimes (Rich)