Former Banyule and Macleod junior Justin McInerney has been named the Round 15 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
The 20-year-old had a breakout performance in Sydney’s 21-point upset win over Melbourne at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns.
He had 14 disposals and kicked two goals to guide the Swans to a 10.7 (67) to 6.10 (46) victory.
McInerney began playing junior football with Macleod in the YJFL, before crossing to Banyule.
A talented junior, he made his way onto the Northern Knights list in 2018 and was named in the club’s best players in six of his ten appearances during the TAC Cup campaign.
During the 2018 season he also appeared for Banyule’s under-19 team, with the side eventually going on to compete in the NFNL Division 2 grand final that year.
McInerney was selected by Sydney with pick No. 44 in the 2018 AFL National Draft.
He made his debut in the Swans’ loss to Melbourne in Round 4 last year in what proved to be his sole game during his debut season.
He went on to feature in four of Sydney’s opening five games in 2020, before forcing his way back into the senior line-up in Round 14.
The NFNL congratulates Justin on his Rising Star nomination.
