If the AFL had an official award for the Best First Year Player in the competition, as distinct from the strict, age-based criteria for the prestigious Rising Star Award, small Richmond defender Steven Morris would have to be right in contention to win it this year.
Morris has had a major impact in his 2012 debut season at AFL level with the Tigers.
The 23-year-old, recruited from SANFL club West Adelaide, has embodied the spirit of Tigerland with his bravery, boldness, determination, fierce attack on the football, and total commitment to the Yellow and Black cause on a weekly basis.
He is averaging 16 disposals per match and winning plenty of plaudits for his warrior-like attitude on the field of battle, which he combines with a totally professional approach to the game.
The AFL Players Association has an annual Best First Year Player award and, two years ago, it was won by Fremantle mature-age recruit Michael Barlow.
It would be no surprise if Steve Morris gets the nod from the AFLPA in this category in 2012 . . .
Morris major
If the AFL had an official award for the Best First Year Player in the competition, Steven Morris would have to be right in contention to win it this year.
