Ollie Dempsey’s impressive 2024 season was recognised on Thursday night, winning the 2024 Telstra AFL Rising Star.
Dempsey finished with 52 votes, edging out George Wardlaw in second (43 votes) and Kai Lohmann in third (21 votes).
The 21-year-old joins Joel Selwood (2007) as just the second Cats player to take out the Rising Star award in its 32-year history after it was first presented in 1993.
Dempsey has been rewarded for his incredible rise this year, which saw the young Cat play every game in the home and away season after cementing his spot in the team.
Starting the season across half forward, the 21-year-old quickly found his niche on the wing with his aerobic ability and elite turn of foot posing a huge threat to opposition teams.
Dempsey finished the regular season with career highs, averaging over 17 disposals, four marks and five score involvements per game across 23 games.
Despite his move to the wing, Dempsey was still able to have a big impact in front of the goal, hitting the scoreboard in 14 games, kicking 21 goals for the season.
Dempsey ranks in the top five at Geelong for disposals, goals, contested possessions and goal assists, playing a vital role in helping the Cats secure their place in the top four.
Lawson Humphries was the second Cat to win a Rising Star nomination this season, earning his in Round 18 after collecting 23 disposals at 96% efficiency against Collingwood.
Humphries has been a standout for Geelong since his debut in Round 16 averaging 17 disposals, six marks and four intercept possessions across nine games.
Humphries finished in ninth place with two votes.
Final Leaderboard
1st place – Oliver Dempsey (52 votes)
2nd place – George Wardlaw (43 votes)
3rd place – Kai Lohmann (21 votes)
4th place – Darcy Wilson (15 votes)
5th place – Colby McKercher (12 votes)
6th place – Bodhi Uwland (9 votes)
7th place – Darcy Jones (6 votes)
8th place – Matt Roberts (3 votes)
9th place – Lawson Humphries (2 votes)
=10th place – Caleb Windsor (1 vote)
=10th place – Logan Morris (1 vote)
