There was little surprise as to the recipient of this year’s Rising Star Award with Isaac Heeney deemed the most outstanding youngster on the Sydney Swans’ list for 2015.
The 19-year-old enjoyed an exceptional debut season, averaging 12.6 disposals and three tackles in 14 matches, to take out the same award won by the likes of Adam Goodes and Ryan O’Keefe in previous years.
The exciting talent opened his account in the Swans’ first-round clash against Essendon and never looked back, playing 12 matches during the home and away season before featuring in both finals.
Heeney, blessed with a strong marking ability and an innate goal sense, provided a dynamic target up forward to boot 16 goals.
A product of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, Heeney experienced the highs and lows of AFL life after tearing his PCL in Round 8 against Melbourne, missing almost two months of football before returning for the second half of the season.
He was able to make his mark on the competition early by earning a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination following his four-goal performance in the Swans’ third round win over Greater Western Sydney.
