Geelong star Ollie Dempsey has made a cheeky quip during his acceptance speech for the Rising Star Award, thanking the tribunal for suspending front-runners Harley Reid and Sam Darcy.

West Coast’s Reid and Western Bulldogs’ Darcy were the two favourites to claim the Ron Evans Medal but were both deemed ineligible after being suspended during the season. It caused plenty of controversy with calls from experts and pundits calling for a change of the rules to allow suspended players to still be eligible to win the award.

Cats wingman Dempsey was the victor after a strong season and won the prestigious award. But he got a lot of laughs during his excellent acceptance speech.

“Jez (Jeremy Cameron) told me earlier today to make sure I go up here and thank the tribunal for ruling out Harley Reid and Sam Darcy,” Dempsey said.

“So I thought I might throw that one in there.”

Dempsey's Stellar Season

Dempsey polled an incredible 52 of 55 votes to win the award ahead of North Melbourne’s George Wardlaw (43 votes), Brisbane forward Kai Lohmann (21) and St Kilda wingman Darcy Wilson (15).

He became the first Geelong player to claim the medal since former captain Joel Selwood in 2007.

Dempsey’s journey to the Rising Star award is a testament to his dedication and talent. While he was initially a rookie draft selection, he managed just seven games in his first two seasons, playing a fringe role for the Cats. However, in 2024, Dempsey emerged as a key player for Geelong, playing all 23 games and contributing significantly to their climb back into the top four.

He has consistently impressed with his strong performances, averaging 17.6 disposals, 5.4 score involvements and 1.0 goal assists per game, showcasing his versatility and impact both in the front half of the ground and on the wing. Dempsey’s 21 goals this season have also highlighted his offensive prowess.

The Controversy Over the Rising Star Rules

The eligibility rules for the Rising Star award have been a hot topic of discussion this year, particularly in the wake of Reid and Darcy’s suspensions. The rule states that a player must be under 21 years old and have played less than 10 AFL games at the start of the season to be eligible. Critics argue that this rule unfairly punishes players who are suspended, especially those who are early-season favorites for the award.

Dempsey's Humorous Response to the Controversy

Dempsey’s cheeky joke during his acceptance speech, thanking the tribunal for suspending Reid and Darcy, highlights the awkward situation surrounding the Rising Star award this year. While it was a light-hearted remark, it also served as a reminder of the controversy and the debate surrounding the eligibility rules.

Looking Ahead

Dempsey’s win is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding season. He has clearly established himself as a key player for Geelong and his future looks bright. However, The controversy surrounding the Rising Star award eligibility rules is likely to continue, with calls for a change likely to intensify in the years to come.

The AFL is yet to indicate whether they will review the rules for the Rising Star award, but it remains a topic of debate and one that will likely continue to be discussed in the future.