Harry Sheezel wins AFL Rising Star award
Jewish 18-year-old North Melbourne player Harry Sheezel has been recognised in the highest possible way, winning the AFL’s Rising Star Award, earning 54 out of a maximum of 60 votes.
Jewish 18-year-old North Melbourne player Harry Sheezel’s impressive debut AFL season was recognised in the highest possible way at the 2023 AFL Awards night on August 30, when he won the AFL’s Rising Star Award, earning 54 out of a maximum of 60 votes.
To top it off, the former AJAX Footy Club junior and 2022 Mount Scopus College graduate also won the AFL Players’ Association’s 2023 Best First Year Player award.
It’s the first time a Jewish player has won either award.
Remarkably, Sheezel was tasked at the beginning of the season, by Roos head coach Alastair Clarkson, to play in the unfamiliar position of half back, rather than his usual half forward spot he’d played in for AJAX, the Sandringham Dragons, and Vic Metro.
Taking hold of that new challenge with both hands, the 2022 AFL draft number 3 pick averaged 27.0 disposals per game, and made the most disposals (622) by any player in their debut AFL season ever.
He also averaged 5.4 marks and 441.8 metres gained per game.
In his acceptance speech, Sheezel thanked his family, and especially his parents, Dean and Lana, for all they’ve done to help him achieve what he has in the sport.
“The support they’ve shown to me, especially this year, has been incredible,” Sheezel said.
“They’re so passionate about football as well, which makes it even better, because I kind of live it with them.”
In a next-day press conference at Kangaroos headquarters, Sheezel reflected, “I wasn’t too sure what to expect [in the half back role], but it worked out pretty well, and I love that role now – you get a lot of freedom.”
He also said he put his “full trust” in Clarkson, describing him as having “an unbelievable football brain”.
“Every week I’d just try and have that confidence that I belong at this level, and try to play my best every week, so it was good to get recognised.
“I’m definitely working on my leadership [skills], and trying to drive the group forward.”
AJAX Junior Footy Club (AJFC) president James Davis told The AJN the entire AJAX community is incredibly proud of Sheezel’s achievements in his debut AFL season.
“And what’s more impressive is the way Harry has kept his core values, his feet on the ground, and continues to be a mensch – he is a wonderful ambassador for the entire Jewish community in Australia,” Davis said.
“His achievements have given many of our kids real belief that they can play football at the highest level.
“A number of our teams have gone as a group to watch Harry’s games, and when he came here to a recent training session, the kids gave him a rock star welcome.
“This year saw our highest ever number of registered players (648 boys and girls) … and Harry’s success was no doubt another catalyst [for that growth].”
Diehard Kangaroos supporter Jason Wrobel – a former AJFC president who once co-coached AJAX teams Sheezel was in – said, “Having closely watched Harry’s amazing development over the years, it has been extremely exciting to observe his incredible debut season, and to see him deservedly awarded”.
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