A new series compiled by Featuring Faulks journalist Tom Wyman, 'Unsung Heroes' around the competition under the age of 22 will regularly be highlighted by Tom; showcasing their efforts for their respective clubs that may not be covered by mainstream outlets. The criteria is simple; play a crucial role in your side's performance for the week, with anyone under the age of 22 (as of January 1, 2022) eligible!
Heath Chapman (Fremantle, 20) Fremantle have a host of talented juniors making an impact at AFL level this season. Their instant impact has been one of the key reasons for the Dockers rise, and Heath Chapman looks every bit a 200-game prospect. Lauded for his desperation deep in defence to ice their Round 1 win over Adelaide, ‘Chappy’ was at it again across half-back in Freo’s Friday night win over North Melbourne. He gathered 25 disposals, five marks and three tackles, providing stability defensively and composure with ball in-hand. Chapman topped off his spectacular night by taking home the Round 8 Rising Star nomination.
Last week's Rising Star nominee Heath Chapman - Photo credit: Daniel Carson
Maurice Rioli Jr. (Richmond, 19) The Tigers have found another small forward who embodies everything the Richmond Football Club has become known for under a rejuvenated Damian Hardwick. Rioli Jr. brought relentless pressure to the MCG clash with Collingwood. His speed looked to genuinely worry the Collingwood back-line, and although he didn’t hit the scoreboard, the son-of-a-gun added plenty to the side. Much like his cousin Cyril, Maurice Jr. doesn’t need 25+ disposals and a handful of marks to make a difference.
It's a quality over quantity game style for Maurice Rioli Jnr. - Photo credit: Will Russell
Connor Budarick (Gold Coast, 21) The Suns' Connor Budarick could walk down Swan Street unnoticed, yet he is quickly becoming one of their most valuable players in just his third season at AFL level. Despite nursing an ankle injury coming into the clash with the Swans, Budarick was terrific in defence, taking 11 marks and gathering 19 disposals. His ability to both lock-down on his opponent and provide rebound from the backline was integral to the result. The Suns were crying out for a small defender of his style, and in Budarick they’ve plugged a big hole.
In his third year, Connor Budarick as a rising threat in defence for Gold Coast - Photo credit: Jono Searle
Mitch Knevitt (Geelong, 19) Making his AFL debut as the sub in the well-drilled win over GWS, Geelong-local Mitch Knevitt gave Cats supporters a rare glimpse into the future. Long criticised for not blooding their youth, the Cats will have been thrilled with the performances of both Knevitt and fellow early draft pick Cooper Stephens. The former collected 15 disposals, seven marks and two tackles; and didn’t look overawed by the occasion. Competition for spots will be tough when Joel Selwood returns, but expect to see more of Knevitt throughout the year given his versatility.
Knevitt was a super sub for the Cats last Saturday in Canberra - Photo credit: Mark Metcalfe
Ben Hobbs (Essendon, 18) The Bombers’ Ben Hobbs is still just 18-years-old, but he already holds the key to a brighter future for the Bombers. Drafted with Pick 13 after a decorated junior career where he bullied opponents as an inside midfielder, Hobbs has spent more time across half-forward in his four games at AFL level. His best performance came in the win over Hawthorn, where he accumulated 19 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and a goal. However, Hobbs’ numbers aren’t as important as the relief he will, in-time, provide to the likes of Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish and Jye Caldwell.
In a breakthrough win for Essendon, younster Ben Hobbs stood tall - Photo credit: Dylan Burns