Essendon youngster Mark McVeigh did a long apprenticeship in the reserves. Everyone knew he had the talent to make it at the top level but a combination of injury and a senior side that was in sensational form saw has seen him spend much of his time in the reserves after being drafted in 1998. Recruited from Pennant Hills in NSW, season 2001 was a critical one for McVeigh. He had 10 senior games to his name and he needed to make his mark or risk being shown the door. McVeigh has done exactly that and he may be further rewarded by taking out the 2001 Ansett Rising Star Award.

Essendon has had three nominations for this year's award - the other two being Aaron Henneman and Danny Jacobs. Jacobs and Henneman have both been excellent but McVeigh has probably been a touch more consistent and conspicuous and for that reason might get the nod from those voting for the award. Most good judges believe he is well and truly in the running. Others mentioned in dispatches are Justin Koschitzke (St Kilda), Daniel Kerr (West Coast) and Ryan Lonie (Collingwood).

But if McVeigh can finish the season well he has as good a chance as any. In 16 games he has collected 127 kicks, 54 handballs and 41 marks. They aren't huge numbers but when you consider he has played some negative roles they are put into perspective. It is that versatility that will count in his favour. McVeigh has run with the likes of Camporeale and did better than break even the second time around. He also works hard the other way and his 17 goals is a more than handy return. He is also cool under pressure and he produced some outstanding defensive efforts late in the game against Sydney.

AFL Rising Star Past Winners

1993: Nathan Buckley (Brisbane)
1994: Chris Scott (Brisbane)
1995: Nick Holland (Hawthorn)
1996: Ben Cousins (West Coast)
1997: Michael Wilson (Port Adelaide)
1998: Byron Pickett (Kangaroos)
1999: Adam Goodes (Sydney)
2000: Paul Hasleby (Fremantle)

Essendon has had the past two runners-up in the Rising Star Award. Dean Rioli finished second to Adam Goodes and Adam Ramanauskas was a very narrow second to Paul Hasleby last year. The Bombers are yet to produce a winner but perhaps 2001 will be the year.