Former Western Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson has called for Max Michalanney’s name to remain firmly in Rising Star conversations.
Last year’s pick 17 in the National Draft earned himself a Rising Star nomination in Round 5 against Carlton and has shown composure beyond his years across his seven games playing at half-back.
Johnson has found himself impressed by the way Michalenney has quickly cemented a spot in Adelaide's winning team.
“I’ve watched him live twice now in the last three weeks, this young man is rarely beaten in a one-on-one, he’s tough, he’s composed when he gets the ball and uses it quite well,” he told SEN’s Sportsday.
“He’s excellent at that kick out of the back half, 20-25 metres, and not afraid to come inboard as well with the footy.
“I just had a look at who’s been nominated for the Rising Star so far, now Michalanney was nominated in Round 5 which is great, he’s got his tick.”
Other nominations for this year’s award include Harry Sheezel (Round 1), Will Ashcroft (Round 2), Reuben Ginbey (Round 3), Mitch Owens (Round 4), Jai Culley (Round 6), and Finn Callaghan (Round 7).
Johnson believes the winner of the 2023 Rising Star has already been nominated, but says stats don’t reflect Michalanney’s influence on Adelaide’s 4-3 record.
The Crows' 19-year-old is the longest odds for the award of all those to be nominated and is also behind young Melbourne forward Jacob Van Rooyen.
Rising Stars are chosen by a panel each week for the most impressive performance, before the final award is judged by the All-Australian selectors.
“I’d love the All-Australian selectors though to really keep an eye (on Michalanney)… just because he doesn’t get your 30 (disposals) every week like Sheezel or an Ashcroft, keep an eye on Michalenney please because what he’s doing defensively (is impressive) and he’s playing some of the toughest roles in footy as a youngster,” Johnson added.
“He’s not running around on his own, he’s beating his man or men every single week.
“So I’d just urge selectors not to just go off the stats that are presented, start to watch this guy closely on what he does when the ball is not around, when he’s in one on one situations and how calm he is in this tough position.”
Michalanney is the only potential 2023 Rising Star winner to play as a lockdown defender.
He averages 10.9 disposals and 2.6 rebound 50s a game and ranks 1st among Rising Star eligibles for total one percenters and 2nd for intercepts per game.
Max Michalanney's four main opponents in 2023:
— Ethan (@ethanmeldrum_) April 11, 2023
James Peatling (43 mins): 4 disposals, 0 goals
Shai Bolton (49 mins): 5 disposals, 1 goal
Junior Rioli (78 mins): 5 disposals, 0 goals
Michael Walters (67 mins): 5 disposals, 0 goals
Max Michalanney's main opponents, R5-7:
— Ethan (@ethanmeldrum_) May 2, 2023
Jesse Motlop (59 minutes): 4 disposals, 1 goal
Luke Breust (48 minutes): 4 disposals, 0 goals
Jamie Elliott (92 minutes): 9 disposals, 0 goals
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