Ollie Dempsey: The Geelong Young Gun Who Conquered The AFL Rising Star
In the dynamic world of Australian Rules Football, where talent emerges at a blistering pace, few stories capture the imagination quite like that of Ollie Dempsey. This young gun from the Geelong Cats has not just made a name for himself; he’s etched it into the annals of AFL history by claiming the prestigious 2024 AFL Rising Star award. A versatile player who has excelled as both a lively small forward and predominantly on the wing, Dempsey's rapid ascent has been one of the most compelling narratives of the recent AFL season.
Early Beginnings and the Road to Geelong
Born on January 7, 2003, Oliver 'Ollie' Dempsey’s journey to AFL stardom began long before he graced the professional stage. Hailing from Carey Baptist Grammar School, Dempsey was identified as a promising talent early on, leading to his drafting by the Geelong Cats in 2022. From the outset, there was a quiet buzz around his potential, but few could have predicted the meteoric rise that was about to unfold in his breakthrough year.
The 2024 Season: A Star is Born
The 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular for Ollie Dempsey, culminating in him being crowned the Telstra Rising Star. This coveted award, a testament to his exceptional performance and rapid development, officially solidified his status as one of the league's brightest young talents. It's a rare feat for any young player to make such a significant leap in a single season, and even rarer for a rookie-listed player to achieve it, yet Dempsey defied these odds with remarkable consistency and flair.
His win also held special significance for the Geelong Cats, as Ollie became only the second player from the club to claim the Rising Star award, following in the illustrious footsteps of club legend Joel Selwood, who won it in 2007. This achievement places Dempsey in elite company, underscoring the magnitude of his accomplishment.
Dempsey’s dominance in the voting was clear, as he amassed an impressive 52 votes, comfortably ahead of other promising talents:
- North Melbourne's George Wardlaw (43 votes)
- Brisbane's Kai Lohmann (21 votes)
- St Kilda's Darcy Wilson (15 votes)
- Kangaroo Colby McKercher (12 votes)
These five rounded out the top contenders for the award, highlighting Dempsey's clear lead.
The season itself saw Dempsey kick a scintillating 21 goals, predominantly playing on the wing. This was a notable evolution for a player who started the season as a forward, having only seven AFL games under his belt prior to 2024. His ability to adapt and excel in a new role speaks volumes about his football IQ and versatility. Beyond the goals, Dempsey continued to find plenty of the footy, averaging over 16 disposals per game. His on-field presence was undeniable, characterized by moments of brilliance, such as the 'incredible grab' against Collingwood, which felt symbolic of his soaring start to the season. It’s worth noting that Dempsey’s exceptional season also brought the eligibility rules for the Rising Star award into the spotlight, a testament to just how quickly and effectively he integrated himself into the senior team and made an impact.
On-Field Prowess and Versatility
What makes Ollie Dempsey truly stand out is his versatility. While initially recognized as a lively small forward, he transitioned seamlessly into a role predominantly on the wing, showcasing his ability to influence the game from various positions. His knack for kicking goals combined with his increasing ability to win disposals has made him a dual threat. He's not just a finisher; he's also a crucial link in Geelong's midfield and attacking chains. His rapid rise has been attributed to his humble nature and relentless dedication, qualities that resonate deeply with fans and teammates alike. The match shown where he attained a season/career high was a testament to his growing influence and consistent performance.
A Glimpse of Humility and Growth
No journey is without its minor bumps, and for Dempsey, an early season incident provided a moment for learning. He was cited for staging during a match, an action that resulted in a $1500 fine (reducible to $1000 with an early guilty plea) by the Match Review Officer. The swiftness with which he got back to his feet and handballed to Jeremy Cameron for a shot at goal indicated there was clearly no injury suffered. This incident, while a minor blip, highlighted his resilience and quick recovery, demonstrating a young player’s ability to learn and move forward from challenges, further endearing him to the Geelong faithful.
What's Next for Ollie Dempsey?
Looking ahead, the future appears incredibly bright for Ollie Dempsey. His 2024 Rising Star award is likely just the beginning of what promises to be a stellar career. As a young player who has already made such a significant leap, the potential for further growth is immense. Dempsey himself believes 'the next generation is ready,' a sentiment that he embodies perfectly with his own rapid ascent. Geelong fans, proudly presented by Ford, and indeed AFL enthusiasts, will be eagerly watching to see how this humble cat continues to evolve and dominate the competition, potentially becoming a long-term cornerstone for the club.
Stay Connected: Stats, Honours, and News
For those keen to delve deeper into Ollie Dempsey’s career, including his comprehensive stats, honours, highlights, and the latest news, the official Geelong Cats club website is the go-to resource. You can also find his AFL Fantasy stats, which include both historical and current season data, offering a detailed look at his performance metrics and how he stacks up against the league's best.
In summary, Ollie Dempsey's 2024 season was a masterclass in rapid development and consistent performance. From being drafted in 2022 to claiming the prestigious AFL Rising Star award, his journey has been nothing short of inspiring. As a versatile midfielder/forward for the Geelong Cats, Dempsey has proven his worth through goal-kicking prowess, high disposal numbers, and an undeniable impact on the field. His humility, coupled with his remarkable talent, ensures that he is not just a rising star, but a cornerstone for Geelong's future success.
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