Garry Lyon has an outsider as his early Rising Star favourite.
Following Jake Bowey’s 34-disposal game against Gold Coast on Sunday, the second-year player has rocketed into the calculations of many fans, not least Lyon.
The 19-year-old debuted late last year and has now played in nine wins from his nine games, no mean feat to achieve.
Bowey also had 18 contested possessions and 572 metres gained on Saturday night, and his runs on the board lead Lyon to declare him a leading contender for the Rising Star.
“He should be the favourite for the Rising Star,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“I’m basing it on output over hype, that’s what it should be based on.
“His performances since he came into the side - and you can argue whatever you want about qualification, this is the rules that we have to play by - he’s way ahead of the rest.
“Now by the end of it they may overtake him and good luck to them… he had 34 (disposals) on the weekend.
“I don’t know if he’s been beaten too often, one on one either.”
Nick Daicos is the current favourite for the award after his composed showing in Round 1, while 2021 No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis is second.
Bowey is currently fifth in line at $13 on Sportsbet, also behind Adelaide young gun Josh Rachele and Essendon’s Nick Martin.
Melbourne prevailed by 13 points over the Suns in the hard-fought battle, midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver combining for 74 possessions.