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Rising star Jarrad Grant impresses as Western Bulldogs storm into top four

Submitted by Steven Milne on Tue, 07/27/2010 - 11:49
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Skin-and-bone forward Jarrad Grant continues to catch the eye as the Western Bulldogs make their move in the build-up to the finals.

It's a happy time for Grant ... the Bulldogs have rocketed into the top four and he's the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for round 17.
 

Grant kicked three goals as he worked well alongside Barry Hall and Brian Lake (at times) as the Bulldogs obliterated Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

He gathered 20 possessions and laid four tackles.
 
The 21-year-old, who made his AFL debut in round five of 2009, has played 13 matches this season and is averaging 14 possessions per week.

The strong marking and quick player with exceptional hands is smart on the lead and dangerous near goal, kicking 17 so far for the season.
 
Coach Rodney Eade is thrilled with Grant's development.

“The nomination is a tremendous recognition for Jarrad’s efforts," he said.

"He has fitted into the side really well and has now cemented his spot.  He provides tremendous support for players like Barry Hall and Brad Johnson in our forward line.”
 
After a stellar junior career with the Frankston Bombers and Dandenong Stingrays, Grant, an AIS/AFL Academy Graduate and Vic Metro representative was selected by the Western Bulldogs with their first selection (selection five overall) in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.
 
After missing the second half of 2008 with osteitis pubis, Grant made his AFL debut in Round Five of 2009 and played just the one game (against Carlton where he hit the post from 25m with his first kick).

He has made the most of his opportunities in 2010 and has maintained his position, showing promising signs of becoming a long-term forward-line player.
 
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