BFL launches rising star award

THE young guns in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football League are in the running for this year’s CVGT Rising Star award.A field of 18 nominees will be selected, with the winner announced at the Michelsen Medal presentation on September 14. A list of six finalists will be named. The winner will receive a trophy and $250.Marketing and communications manger for CVGT Employment and Training, Paul Stagg said the award recognised the league’s young champions and promoted their achievements.‘‘Our involvement with the BFL Rising Star award is part of commitment to helping people achieve their dreams and fits well with our philosophy of fostering opportunity,’’ Mr Stagg said.Gisborne, Golden Square and Sandhurst are represented in the first week of nominees for the CVGT BFL Rising Star award.At Gisborne, Jacob Forder has made a strong contribution as a ruckman-forward in every senior game this season.The high-leaping teenager will play a key role in today’s centre ball-ups as the Bulldogs tackle South Bendigo at Gardiner Reserve.Forder will play a key role in Gisborne’s run throughout the finals campaign.Golden Square wingman Josh Baird has set up plenty of attacks for the Bulldogs.Josh kicked off the season in Golden Square’s under-18 team and has also played for the Bendigo Pioneers in the AFL Victoria TAC Cup competition. Baird’s courage has inspired teammates at Square and the Pioneers.Sandhurst’s Jarrod Bateson has impressed with his team-orientered attitude and hard work in the midfield.Bateson has won a lot of contested possessions and is rarely caught with the football.The Sandhurst hierachy is confident the young wingman will develop into an excellent team leader for the Dragons.