Rising Star candidates, Touk Miller and Adam Saad, may not feature in many discussions for the game’s most prestigious emerging talent award, but they should be according to the official AFL Player Ratings.
 
After 16 rounds, the pair has failed to draw the plaudits they deserve for their outstanding debut seasons. Finally, after being overlooked for a nomination after several worthy performances, Miller received this weeks accolade for his effort against Greater Western Sydney.
 
Mature-aged rookie Saad earned an early nomination for his performance against Brisbane back in round five and since then he has continued to emerge as a star of the future, with his dare and dash from backwards of centre captivating the entire football universe.
 
Whilst Carlton’s Patrick Cripps, Greater Western Sydney’s Cam McCarthy and Melbourne pair Jesse Hogan and Angus Brayshaw have dominated debate for this year’s Rising Star award, Saad and Miller sit in the top two spots based on average points.
 
VFL product Saad averages 12.1 points per game, ahead of his Gold Coast teammate on 10.5, with Cripps filling the final spot on the podium with 10.3. Hogan sits on 9.9 from his 13 appearances, with Brayshaw at 8.6.
 
Miller and Saad also sit in first and second positions for total rating points for eligible Rising Star players.