BY JESS WEBSTER (NEAFL MEDIA
Sydney University forward Josh Stern has earned the Round 10 NEAFL Rising Star nomination after a five-goal haul against NT Thunder on Saturday.
The 20-year-old former Swans Academy member has hit the scoreboard regularly in 2019, but was at his best at Blacktown as the Students ran away with a 39-point victory.
Stern finished with 16 disposals (nine contested), two inside 50s, five goals and five tackles in a standout performance.
Since joining Sydney University at the start of 2019, Stern has played every match, booting 13 goals from eight games whilst averaging 14.4 disposals (45% contested), 4.4 marks and two score assists per game.
Originally from Pennant Hills, Stern is known for his aggressive tackling pressure and ability to hit the scoreboard.
He came through the Swans Academy ranks, making his NEAFL debut in 2017 for Sydney and representing the Allies last year. So far in 2019, he’s been named in the Students’ best four times.
Stern is the second Sydney University player to be nominated for the award alongside Bailey Stewart.
The NEAFL Rising Star is awarded to the most promising young talent in the NEAFL competition.
Nominees must be under the age of 21 and played less than 20 senior games (excluding games as AFL club academy players) at the start of the 2019 season.
2019 NEAFL Rising Star Nominees
Round 1: Angus Baker (Canberra)
Round 2: Bailey Stewart (Sydney University)
Round 3: Keidean Coleman (Brisbane)
Round 4: Connor Owen-Auburn (Canberra)
Round 5: Fitzroy Greenwool (Gold Coast)
Round 6: Hewago Paul Oea (Gold Coast)
Round 7: James Peatling (GIANTS)
Round 8: Rhys Pollock (Canberra)
Round 9: Tom Green (GIANTS)
Round 10: Josh Stern (Sydney University)