A rare shining light in Geelong’s shock seven-point loss to St Kilda, Connor O’Sullivan has received the AFL’s Rising Star nomination for Round 2.
Playing just his third match at the top level, the 19-year-old key defender had a career-high 15 disposals, including nine intercept possessions, and pulled in seven marks in Saturday night’s clash at Marvel Stadium.
“I’m very grateful for the recognition,” O’Sullivan said.
“But from what I saw across the league there were some really good games from a lot of young stars over the weekend.
“Not just across the league, but in our game as well as we probably all know. Obviously, (I’m) very grateful, but I didn’t really expect it to be honest.”
Drafted with pick 11 in the 2023 National Draft from Talent League club Murray Bushrangers, the Albury product made his AFL debut in the Round 5 win over North Melbourne last year.
He featured in 18 VFL games, including both of the Cats’ finals.
Geelong had two nominees in 2024 – Ollie Dempsey (Round 1) and Lawson Humphries (Round 18) – with Dempsey the club’s second overall winner after Joel Selwood in 2007.
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