Adelaide youngster Phil Davis is a rising star

Emerging backman Phil Davis played a valuable role as the Adelaide Crows celebrated a stirring win over reigning premier Geelong at AAMI Stadium last Friday night.

The 19-year-old is the round 16 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
 
The close-checking Davis was outstanding in defence for the Crows, gathering 14 possessions and laying two tackles as the Cats struggled to put the score on the board after enjoying an explosive start to the game with three successive goals.

Davis made his AFL debut in round four and has played 12 matches.

He is remembered for being cleaned up by Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands in a sickening collision at AAMI Stadium in round 11.

The tall mobile utility has a natural read for the ball and a strong contested mark.
 
Adelaide coach Neil Craig is thrilled with Davis' development.

“Phil has made a solid start to his AFL career," he said.

"He is very coachable, likes to listen and learn and has worked hard to improve areas of his game. The way he returned after that heavy knock (against Fremantle) is a credit to the way he goes about his football and has made him a favourite among the fans.”

After showing promise at the 2008 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, Davis was recruited by the Adelaide Crows as a key forward with their first selection (selection 10 overall) in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.

In 2009, Davis showed further improvement as his SANFL season progressed, being named an emergency for the Crows eight times, including the last five games.

A forward at junior level for St Peter’s College, Davis gained a terrific education in defence at North Adelaide.
 
Following each round of the home and away season, a panel of judges will select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
 
At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star.
 
The 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star will receive a personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.
 
NAB will recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players.

Clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award, a package of practical and financial resources designed to assist them in developing future champions.
 
The NAB AFL Rising Star is the pinnacle 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.
 
The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program provides recognition and a clearly identifiable direction for a player's career, and comprises the following elements:
 
· NAB AFL Rising Star
· NAB AFL Draft
· NAB AFL Draft Camp
· NAB AFL Under 18 Championships
· AIS-AFL Academy
· NAB AFL Under 16 Championships