Ollie Dempsey's rise to stardom was made complete after he was given the nod for the 2024 Rising Star on Thursday night.
Dempsey polled 52 votes ahead of North Melbourne's George Wardlaw (43 votes), Brisbane's Kai Lohmann (21), St Kilda's Darcy Wilson (15) and Kangaroo Colby McKercher (12), which rounded out the top five.
The 21-year-old's surge to the top was also helped by the ineligibility of Western Bulldogs tall Sam Darcy and Eagles wunderkind Harley Reid, who were both ruled out through suspension.
As a result, Dempsey pulled a Steven Bradbury and, in his thank you speech, gave a special mention to a select group of people.
โ(Jeremy Cameron) told me to thank the tribunal for ruling out Harley Reid and Sam Darcy, so I thought I might throw that one in there,โ Dempsey said with a laugh.
The award wasn't lost on the Cats winger, whose season has been reflective of the club's form line and subsequent placing in the top four.
โIt is definitely an honour; (you) look at those names, and even thinking about it now, it's very cool,โ Dempsey said.
โLife's (so good), I can't complain as an AFL footballer - it's the best job in the world โฆ I'm loving life at the moment.
โIt's a true blessing to be up here.โ
Dempsey didn't miss a home and away game in 2024, featuring in all 23 matches, averaging 17.7 disposals, 4.3 marks, 2.5 tackles and just under a goal a game.
His best performance of the year came in Round 12 against Richmond, where he kicked three goals from 27 touches.
Dempsey and the Cats' season is far from over, facing Port Adelaide in a qualifying final on Thursday at Adelaide Oval.
