Western Bulldogs emerging defender Eleanor Brown has capped off a breakout 2021 season with an AFLW Rising Star nomination, following an impressive performance in Friday night’s 13-point win over Richmond.
The 21-year-old has been one of the Bulldogs’ most improved players this year, averaging 12.6 disposals, four marks and six tackles from her last six games.
On Friday night alone, she registered 19 disposals (14 kicks), six tackles and two marks.
Brown also finished the season leading the Club’s intercept possessions tally with a total of 58, and laid the third-most tackles with 41.
Taken with pick number 10 in the 2018 AFLW Draft, she has played 19 games in the red, white and blue – including every game this year - since making her debut in the opening round of the 2019 season.
A former Sandringham Dragon in the TAC Cup (now NAB League) and Southern Saint in the VFLW, Brown played a variety of positions before settling in defence.
She began her football career with local club Glen Iris, having also competed in netball and cross-country running.
Brown becomes the Club’s second Rising Star nominee this year, following Jess Fitzgerald’s nod in round two.
The 2021 NAB AFLW Rising Star will be crowned on Tuesday 20 April at the W Awards, with fellow Bulldog Izzy Huntington the current reigning award-winner.
Players are eligible for the NAB AFLW Rising Star if they are 21 years and under as of January 1, 2021 and have not been previously nominated.
Two players were nominated per home and away round of the NAB AFLW season.
