Will Ashcroft is as short a favourite for the AFL Rising Star award as anyone we have seen in recent memory.

Nick Daicos won in a landslide 12 months ago, but began the season splitting the favouritism with Jason Horne-Francis.

Ashcroft however enters 2023 as short as $2.50 and is the clear favourite this year.

Rarely are things so simple, however. We’ve gone through those eligible to come up with the contenders and smokeys who could challenge the Brisbane midfielder this year.

See them below:

Odds correct with Sportsbet at time of publishing.

Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs) – $10

The leading contender to topple Ashcroft according to the bookies, Sam Darcy enters his second AFL season with a lot of hype surrounding him.

Pick No. 2 from the 2021 AFL draft, Darcy looked immediately up to the level throughout his four senior games last season.

Having spent time both forward and back, Darcy is a versatile option that looks a lock in Luke Beveridge’s best 22.

A player that will no doubt eventually make his mark on the competition, expect Darcy to blossom in 2023, particularly if he beds down a consistent spot at either end of the ground.

Lachlan Geleit

Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne) – $11

We’ve already seen that no.3 draft pick Harry Sheezel is a fairly classy operator.

He looked right at home in his first hit-out for the Kangaroos last week, kicking three goals against Richmond with snaps, set shots and clever bananas.

Sheezel is expected to play consistently for North in 2023 and his ability in front of goals will put him right in the Rising Star frame.

The risk is he may not be as prolific as some of the other contenders given he’ll likely be spending the majority of his time inside forward 50.

Nonetheless, he’s going to be fun to watch.

Andrew Slevison

Finn Callaghan (GWS) – $13

One of the leading contenders, Callaghan has been tipped to have a big season after struggling with injury in his first campaign.

After undergoing foot surgery, the former No. 3 draft pick looks a best 22 lock and is billed to earn midfield minutes in 2023.

Star Giants defender Sam Taylor said he hasn’t seen players dominate a pre-season like Callaghan and fellow young midfielder Tom Green have this summer while also comparing the duo to Melbourne’s Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.

While that may be a big call, if Callaghan follows in the early footsteps of either of those players, expect him to poll well in the Rising Star award.

Lachlan Geleit

Mattaes Phillipou (St Kilda) – $15

The ever-confident Mattaes Phillipou was taken with pick 10 in the 2022 National Draft and he looks a live chance in this year’s Rising Star.

Given St Kilda’s disastrous start to 2023 on the injury front, Phillipou will almost certainly line up for the Saints in Round 1 and if last week's practice match against Melbourne is anything to go by, he looks a player.

The South Australian product averaged 28 disposals, seven marks and five tackles last year and with his ability to hit the scoreboard, he’s a genuine live chance to take out the Rising Star.

Hugh Fitzpatrick

Cam Mackenzie – $18

Taken seventh in last year's National Draft, Hawthorn is clearly a big fan of Cam Mackenzie.

A consistent ball-winner, Mackenzie is highly touted for his composure and poise, resulting in a player that looks ready-made to play at AFL level.

With the considerable lack of experience currently at Hawthorn, opportunities will be plentiful for the young Hawks to seize positions in the senior side.

The midfielder dealt with a small hiccup in the pre-season with a hamstring injury, however has now recovered and looks ready to establish himself as a key part of Hawthorn’s future.

With Mackenzie looking like he has both the talent and opportunity to make an impact in his rookie season, he is well placed to make a serious run at the Rising Star.

Jack Makeham

__Elijah Hollands – $21 __

Hollands was selected with pick 7 in the 2020 National Draft and came into the league with a torn ACL, hence why he slid in the order and why he remains eligible for the Rising Star in 2023.

He made his debut in 2022, playing the last five games of the season and looking immediately like a damaging player across half forward.

Hollands is a goal kicker who has had an incredible summer and is ready to have a permanent role in this Gold Coast side across the midfield and forward line. He is absolutely capable of having a Rising Star level season.

Nic Negrepontis

Jai Culley – $26

The first overall pick of last year’s mid-season draft sounds like he’s gone to another level this year.

Throughout the entirety of pre-season, praise has been heaped upon Jai Culley, with the 20-year-old being considered internally as having the most impressive start to the year.

Culley averaged 13.2 disposals across his four games last season as he wasn’t quite able to establish himself in the Eagles’ midfield.

However, coming into 2023 with stronger physique and more experience under his belt, Culley looks set to hold his own in the engine room and carve out a role for himself.

If you buy the pre-season hype, Culley is on track to serve as the dark horse in this year’s Rising Star race.

Jack Makeham

Luke Pedlar (Adelaide) – $51

The Adelaide midfielder hasn’t fired since being taken with pick No. 11 in the 2020 draft, but with a third pre-season under his belt could be a breakout candidate.

A player that definitely fits into the smokey bracket, Pedlar will hope to add to his five career games in 2023.

If the talk coming from West Lakes is anything to go by, Pedlar could be set for a best 22 spot with midfielder Sam Berry suggesting the former first-rounder is looking “powerful and fit” this summer.

Having struggled with osteitis pubis so far in his career, Adelaide will hope Pedlar finally delivers on his obvious potential in his third season at the level.

Lachlan Geleit

Tyler Sonsie (Richmond) – $51

Tyler Sonsie is one of a few second-year players who could threaten for the Ron Evans Medal in 2023.

The 28th pick from the 2021 draft played seven games for the Tigers in 2022 and appeared comfortable at the elite level, averaging close to 18 disposals along with two inside 50s and two clearances.

He is clever with the ball when in possession and chimes in defensively as a high half-forward who can roll through the midfield.

Sonsie has been nursing a hip injury in recent weeks but is expected to get his season up and running with some minutes against Melbourne this Saturday.

If his performances last season are anything to go by, he has a bright future at Richmond.

Andrew Slevison

Darcy Wilmot (Brisbane) – $51

Emerging Lion Darcy Wilmot looks set to thrive for Brisbane this year.

The energetic youngster made his debut in the club’s elimination final victory over Richmond last year and he showed he wasn’t out of place at the level, kicking an important goal whilst gathering 11 disposals.

He will likely begin his career down back, but he’s shown in his junior days that he’s able to play all over the ground, assets that will appeal to the panel during the year.

If he can do it in a big final, surely he's a red hot chance to win the Rising Star.

Hugh Fitzpatrick

Elijah Hewett (West Coast) – $67

Elijah Hewett already looks like he could be anything. The ultra-talented first-round draft pick already has multiple highlights to his name and we’ve only seen one scratch match.

The Eagles are incredibly bullish about the West Australian and there’s every chance we see him in Round 1 and for the majority of the season.

He will likely begin his career forward of the ball, allowing him to impact the game sporadically, but he should develop as a midfielder as his career grows.

Nic Negrepontis

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