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Live sport on SN this weekendBell’s way-too-early Rising Star prediction
SEN • February 3rd, 2026 8:51 am
Peter Bell has made his way-too-early prediction for the 2026 Rising Star award.
The Fremantle and North Melbourne great has put together a list of 10 players who he has firmly in the mix to claim the Ron Evans Medal this season.
Bell will update the list as the season unfolds.
10 - Jordan Croft (Western Bulldogs)
“Son of Matthew, hugely athletic, a lot of upside, I think he can make an impact,” Bell said on SEN WA Breakfast.
“Although the Rising Stars are usually midfielders.”
9 - Lachy Dovaston (North Melbourne)
“He’s a small forward who should get opportunities there.
“I know they brought in Charlie Spargo but North are desperate for a small forward.”
8 - Phoenix Gothard (GWS)
“Another small forward, a high draft pick.
“Has had injury problems but I think he can have an impact this year.
“He’s a very talented payer who has a great step on him.”
7 - Willem Duursma (West Coast)
“I think he’s going to have huge a impact and he’s going to be a good player.
“You’ve got to take into account that the team won one game last year so what sort of looks are you going to get.”
6 - Dan Annable (Brisbane)
“He’s ready to go.
“Their midfield is astonishingly talented and deep and then they’ve just drafted another one out of their Academy.”
5 - Zeke Uwland (Gold Coast)
“Similar story at Gold Coast with Zeke ‘The Freak’ Uwland.
“Left footer, can kick it a long way, a really talented player.”
4 - Jobe Shanahan (West Coast)
“What a draft pick this is.
“I’m hearing good things about his performances at training, he’s got good timing, lovely soft hands, great athlete.
“He’s one that is beautiful to watch. I’m expecting Jobe to have a bigger impact again.”
3 - Jagga Smith (Carlton)
“Speaking of second year in that didn’t get a look in.
“He may be the thing that gets Carlton fans the most excited.
“From all reports he’s burning up the track.”
2 - Alix Tauru (St Kilda)
“He just fits eligibility with 10 games or less.
“He’ll become a marking machine pretty quick. Beautiful leap, beautiful kick
“Ross Lyon will be embracing the flair and marking power of Alix Tauru.”
1 - Taj Hotton (Richmond)
“We saw a little bit of him last year and he’s got some tricks.
“He’s going to be great to watch, I love Taj.”
