The bidding process is in full swing:
Swan: Heath a Shaw thing
26 August 2006 Herald-Sun
AAP
COLLINGWOOD half-back Dane Swan has no doubt his dashing backline partner Heath Shaw should win this year's AFL Rising Star award over popular favourite Andrew Raines.
Richmond's Raines was nominated by bookmakers yesterday as the marginal favourite ahead of Shaw for the AFL's best young player award of 2006, and the Tigers this week spoke up their man's chances.
With only two games left for voting, Swan said Shaw's effective rebounding from the backline had been a major factor in Collingwood's rise, and that the Magpies were right behind Shaw.
"I'd say we're biased, but we think there's no doubt that Heath should win it," said Swan, who is also enjoying a career-best season.
"Especially given he's playing well in a side that's going to finish high up in the finals and he's been in our top three consistent players all year.
"He's beaten some very big names and he's averaging 23, 24 possessions a game and he's played 19 games.
"I don't think there's any doubt Heath should win the Rising Star even though Andrew Raines has had a very good year too.
"Heath's going to play in the finals and his run off half-back has been one of the main points why we're in the finals."
Shaw and Raines share similar traits entering what could be a close call on this year's award winner.
They are sons of famous footballers -- Raines' father Geoff starred in the Tigers' 1980 Grand Final win, while Shaw's dad Ray captained the Magpies that day -- and the rebounding defenders, both 20, have cemented their spots this season after a handful of games in 2005.
Raines has played all 20 games in 2006 for 355 disposals and one goal, which came last week when he was best on ground against Carlton.
Shaw has played 19 games, won 412 possessions, booted eight goals, and was one of the Magpies' best in last week's narrow win against Port Adelaide, often running hard up the ground.
Swan said Shaw's improvement had come off the back of his dash out of defence.
"That's why his game has developed so quickly," Swan said.
"He's been prepared to take more risks and (coach) Mick (Malthouse) has given him the license to run off his man and take a few risks.
"He's done that with (VFL side) Williamstown and he's now repaying the coach's faith by cementing a spot in the half-back line and doing very well."
Raines' Richmond plays Essendon at the MCG tonight, while Shaw's Collingwood plays Carlton at the MCG tomorrow.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,20253906%255E19742,00.html
