Young West Coast Eagles star Chris Masten has taken out the round 16 NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his standout game against Port Adelaide last Sunday. The 20-year-old gathered an amazing 38 disposals and kicked a goal in the 36 point loss at AAMI Stadium.
Masten was one of the favourites to win this years Rising Star award in the pre-season. Taken at pick #3 in the 2007 national draft the former East Fremantle boy only managed to play 9 games last season after being struck down with the dreaded osteitis pubis.
Masten has averaged over 20 disposals in his 15 games for the Eagles but it was his career-high 38 possessions and booted one goal in the Eagles’ 36-point loss to the Power at AAMI Stadium on Sunday that earned him the nomination.
Masten said he was shocked to find out that he was eligible for the award.
“I didn’t really know about it until I saw something in the paper written up before the season started. I didn’t set my goals for being nominated but it I’m pretty honoured to get one.” Masten said.
In 2005 Masten was a member of the AIS-AFL Academy intake which included Carlton’s Bryce Gibbs and Matthew Kreuzer and Hawthorn’s Cyril Rioli.
He captained Western Australia to the 2007 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships title, earning All-Australian honours.
Masten is the sixth West Australian to be nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star Award this year and West Coast’s first nominee for the season.
