The Rising Star is one of the most recognised and important awards in the AFL. It's reward for the young guns who enter the AFL system as unknowns, but rise to the challenge to become the future champions of the sport.
Former winners include Nathan Buckley, Adam Goodes, Nick Riewoldt and Joel Selwood who would go on to become some of the greats of the modern game.
Last year's winner was Fremantle's Murphy Reid who rose to prominence for his speed, composure and skill around the goals. He was voted the Rising Star ahead of Adelaide's Daniel Curtin, and the pre-season favourite, Levi Ashcroft.
The 2026 Rising Star Odds pose an interesting market, with young Blue Jagga Smith listed as favourite at $5.00 at Neds. Smith was one of the favourites this time last season but a season-ending knee injury saw him kept on the sidelines for the entire season. Can he bounce back and live up to his incredible potential?
Others who we saw glimpses off last season and are still eligible for the award this season include leaping Saint Alix Tauru ($13), Adelaide's Sid Draper ($13), and Eagle forward Jobe Shanahan ($15).
Others in the early markets for the 2026 Rising Star are the top draft picks. Willem Duursma comes from a strong footballing family so it was no surprise to see him go to the Eagles as the #1 draft pick. He's on the second line of betting at $6.00 at Neds. Zeke Uwland ($8.00), Dylan Patterson ($13), Cooper Duff-Tyler ($15), Dyson Sharp ($15) and Sam Grlj ($21) all have exciting careers ahead of them. Can they make an early impact in season 2026 and take home the Rising Star award?
You can find the Rising Star betting odds below at Neds. Of course, this is a live market, so prices may fluctuate as the season unfolds.
2026 AFL Rising Star Odds (preseason), with thanks to Neds

