For the first time in the 28-year history of the NAB AFL Rising Star Award, one club has received three nominations in a row during the home-and-away season after Sydney Swans midfielder Chad Warner was voted the Round Three NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee.  

Warner was rewarded with the NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after collecting 20 disposals, taking five marks, laying five tackles and kicking two goals in the Swans 45-point win over Richmond at the MCG on Saturday joining teammates Errol Gulden and Braeden Campbell as Sydney back-to-back-to-back nominations to start 2021.  

In just his fifth AFL game, the young Swan amassed 417 metres gained against the reigning premiers from a career-high 20 disposals. His highlight reel included an impressive 45-metre goal in the second quarter after he exploded from the centre square to goal on the run. Like the Sydney Swans, Warner has had a strong start to 2021 averaging almost 20 disposals, three marks and four tackles per game.  

The 19-year-old was selected by Sydney in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft with selection 39 from East Fremantle in the WAFL. Warner impressed for Western Australia at the 2019 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships where he averaged over 18 touches, three clearances and almost seven tackles per game. His performances at Colts level for East Fremantle in 2019 were outstanding averaging over 27 disposals.  

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'G goes nuts after Chad comes up big again

Speedy Swan Chad Warner continues to electrify from the middle of the ground, with his second of the game in superb style

A NAB AFL Rising Star nominee will be named following each round of football in the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership season.  

Following each round of the Home and Away season, a panel of judges select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2021 NAB AFL Rising Star.  

The 2021 NAB AFL Rising Star winner will be awarded the Ron Evans Medal, along with $20,000 from NAB and a dedicated private banker. NAB continues to support footballers by recognising the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Chad Warner's junior club, Willetton Junior Football Club in WA, will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award valued at $2500, comprising financial and practical resources, as a result of his Round Three nomination. Since supporting the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, NAB has donated over $900,000 worth of resources to junior football clubs through this initiative.  

2021 Weekly Selection Panel: Kevin Sheehan (Chairman) Brad Johnson Chris Johnson Brad Scott Daisy Pearce (new 2021) Jude Bolton (new 2021)  

The NAB AFL Rising Star is part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL. 

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Match Highlights: Sydney Swans v Richmond Tigers, Round Three

See all the highlights from the Sydney Swans round three clash with the Richmond Tigers

Thursday night footy is back, and this time it falls in school holidays! See the Swans face Essendon at the SCG. Click here to purchase your tickets to the clash.

Coming to the game this week? Make sure you check out all the important Match Day Information in our handy Match Day Hub ahead of the game.