Second year key forward Jack Whitlock has been named the Telstra AFL Rising Star for Round 8 after a strong individual performance against Adelaide.
In Sunday’s thrilling one-point Showdown loss, Whitlock amassed 14 disposals, four marks and a goal.
He took an important pack mark late in Friday’s game and slotted a goal to bring his side within two points, after being down by 21 points early in the fourth.
After making his AFL debut in Round 21 last season, the 19-year-old has continued building his forward craft – something which has developed surprisingly quickly for the 200-centimetre-tall teenager.
He’s kicked 10 goals from eight games this season, and is averaging almost four marks per game.
Drafted out of the Murray Bushrangers, Whitlock’s athleticism, aerial contest and accuracy around goals have shown why the Power was so excited to secure the young talent at pick 33 in 2024.
“This nomination is a well-earned achievement for Jack, who has taken his game to a new level this year,” Port Adelaide GM of football Ben Rutten said.
“Jack works so hard to learn, improve his game and be the best contributor he possibly can be. He has been an asset to our AFL side this year and we can’t wait to see him continue his development in our program.
“It’s fantastic recognition for a really talented and driven young player.”
Whitlock is the first Rising Star nominee from the club’s AFL program since Logan Evans in Round 24 of the 2024 season.
The Telstra AFL Rising Star winner will be announced at the Brownlow Medal event, where they will be awarded the Ron Evans Medal and $20,000 from Telstra.
