North Melbourne’s Colby McKercher has been named the AFL Rising Star nominee for Round 9 following his performance against the Gold Coast Suns.
The 19-year-old was among North Melbourne’s best on Saturday night at TIO Stadium in Darwin, with 30 disposals (21 kicks), 596 metres gained, six intercepts and five score involvements.
It was the third consecutive week McKercher recorded 30 or more disposals, following 30 against St Kilda in Round 8 and 32 against Adelaide in Round 7.
Hailing from Launceston, the Tasmania Devils product was selected with North Melbourne’s first pick and the second overall in the 2023 AFL Draft.
He made his AFL debut in Round 1 against Greater Western Sydney and has played every game since, averaging 20.7 disposals, 4.1 marks and 369.5 metres gained.
McKercher is the second Roo to earn an AFL Rising Star nomination this season, joining teammate George Wardlaw, who received the nod in Round 2.
The pair could make it back-to-back AFL Rising Stars for the Roos after Harry Sheezel took out the honour last year.
>> BID ON COLBY'S MATCH-WORN ROUND 9 GUERNSEY HERE
