First-year midfielder Noah Anderson has been named the Elastoplast Best Emerging Player for 2020.
Anderson received the award, which recognises the player, the coaches believe has had a breakout year, at this year’s Club Champion event.
After being taken by the SUNS with the second pick in the 2019 AFL Draft, Anderson has gone on to have a profound impact in his debut season.
He has played every game this year, growing into the season as it wore on, to average 17 disposals and three marks per game.
Receiving a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in Round 7 in the win against Sydney, Anderson had 15 disposals, five marks and a goal.
Anderson also received recognition throughout the competition with a second-place finish in both the NAB AFL Rising Star and AFL Players Association Best First Year Player awards.
However, a positional shift from the wing to inside midfield saw the 19-year-old flourish and end the year as one of Gold Coast’s most consistent players.
His best match came in Round 12 against Richmond, where Anderson had a major influence with his 26 disposals, including a season-high 13 contested possessions.
It’s been a huge year of development for Anderson who will take plenty of confidence into his second pre-season.
