Playing in just his fifth AFL match, Horlin-Smith amassed 23 disposals - including 15 contested possessions, seven clearances and a goal - in the Cats’ 21-point win over reigning Premiers Sydney at the SCG on Friday night.
The 20-year old midfielder has continued to show outstanding composure in his two matches for the undefeated Cats this year.
Geelong Head Coach Chris Scott said Horlin-Smith’s NAB Rising Star nomination was testament to the player’s development since joining the Club.
“George has worked hard in his time here and has earnt his spot in the team and done well at every opportunity.
“He can play a number of roles and reads the game very well,” Scott added.
Despite being a promising junior cricketer – Horlin-Smith co-captained the Australian under-16 cricket team to the West Indies in 2008 – the former Payneham Norwood Union Football Club junior opted to pursue Australian football.
After playing two games for SANFL Club Sturt in 2010, Horlin-Smith was selected by Geelong with pick 37 in the NAB AFL Draft that year.
He made his AFL debut in Round Three last year against North Melbourne, slotting a memorable running goal with his first kick at the elite level. He ended up playing three AFL games in 2012 before spending the rest of the season dominating VFL games.
He was a key member of Geelong’s VFL Premiership team, winning the coveted Norm Goss Medal as best afield in the VFL Grand Final. Horlin-Smith also finished fifth in the 2012 Liston Trophy count.
