Special Sub-Topic: The AFL Rising Star Award Click Here To Play: The AFL Rising Star Award

Which company was the inaugural sponsor of the Rising Star Award in 1993?

Norwich Union. Norwich was the first sponsor (1993-1999), followed by Ansett (2000-2001), and National (2002- ).

The very first winner, Nathan Buckley, won which prestigious medal in 1992, the year before his entry into the AFL?

Magarey Medal. The Magarey Medal, like the AFL's Brownlow Medal, is awarded annually to the best and fairest player in the SANFL (South Australian National Football League). William Ashley Magarey, for whom the award is named, was an early chairman of the South Australian Football Association.

Which player won the AFL Rising Star award in 1997?

Michael Wilson & Wilson. After winning the Rising Star award, and finishing equal third in Port Adelaide's best and fairest count in 1997, Michael Wilson's career was halted by two serious knee injuries, keeping him out of the game in seasons 2001-02.

Nathan Buckley was appointed captain of Collingwood in 1999, the first Rising Star winner to be awarded the honour. Who was the second winner to be appointed captain of their club?

Ben Cousins & Cousins. Ben Cousins was appointed co-captain of the West Coast Eagles at the age of 22 (in 2001), to become their youngest ever captain. He was named as sole captain in 2002 following the retirement of Dean Kemp.

Which of these players was not a Rising Star nominee in 1993?

Michael Voss. Michael Voss was never nominated for the award, despite winning the Brownlow Medal, captaining a premiership team, winning multiple best and fairest awards for the Brisbane Lions and playing almost 200 games (to September, 2002) A quote from the official Brisbane Lions website (http://lions.com.au/) speaks volumes for his ability. "Michael Voss will go down in history as one of the great players of not only his generation, but of several generations. Indeed, Lions coach Leigh Matthews has said there had not been a better midfielder in the game in the last 30 years. That is the highest praise possible from a man voted as the Player of the Century and one who has coached two of the most significant premiership teams in the same period."

Sydney Swan Adam Goodes, winner of the 1999 award, was recruited from which state (or territory)?

Victoria. Yes, even though he plays for Sydney, Adam Goodes was recruited from North Ballarat under 18's, in Victoria.

Which player was runner-up to Justin Koschitzke in the 2001 award?

Daniel Kerr. Daniel Kerr has shown every indication that he will be a champion of the game during his career.

Other than Nathan Buckley and Ben Cousins, who is the only other Rising Star winner to be named in the AFL All-Australian team?

Byron Pickett. Byron Pickett, the 1998 winner, was named in the All-Australian team the very next season, although his form in 2001-02 was well down on expectations.

St. Kilda's Nick Riewoldt, led the AFL in which statistical category in the year of his award, 2002?

Marks. Nick Riewoldt took more marks than any other player during the 2002 regular season, yet controversially missed out on selection in the All-Australian team. A star of the future.

Finally, a straightforward question: Who won the award in 1995?

Nick Holland. Nick "Dutchy" Holland, although injury-prone, has consistently been one of Hawthorn's stars throughout his career, winning the Hawks' best and fairest award in 2000, and being named vice-captain of the team.