The AFL has moved to tighten confidentiality over the Rising Star award by revealing betting will close on Tuesday night — the night before the announcement — and judges' vote cards won't be opened until Wednesday's gala function.
The review and tightening of restrictions came after speculation intensified in the days leading into last year's count that Brisbane Lion Lewis Taylor would win the award. Taylor edged Western Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli by one vote to claim the prestigious title.
"Betting will close on Tuesday night. The judges will vote in sealed envelopes on Tuesday evening and those sealed votes will not be opened until Wednesday after betting has closed," AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said on Friday.
There was an investigation in February this year into the alleged suspicious betting activity of commentator and former North Melbourne premiership player David King. King had placed two bets of $350 and $500 with agency Sportsbet at odds of $4.50 on September 1 last year on Taylor to win. When Taylor won, he collected a profit of $2975.
The case was reviewed by detectives from the police sports integrity unit, with King cleared.
This year's award is tipped to also have a close finish. Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan, nominated in round nine, and Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps, nominated in round four, are expected to jostle for top spot.
Cripps, one of only a few positives for the Blues this season, is a $1.45 favourite with the TAB, while Hogan, who the Demons hope to build a team around for the next decade, is $2.75.
West Coast Eagles midfielder Dom Sheed, Sydney's Isaac Heeney and Adelaide's Charlie Cameron round out the top five. Emerging Demons midfielder Angus Brayshaw has also had an impressive season but punters don't believe he has a strong chance to claim the Ron Evans Medal. Gold Coast rebounding defender Adam Saad also has some support.
