Who won the inaugural AFL Rising Star award in 1993?

Nathan Buckley won the inaugural AFL Rising Star award in 1993.

Buckley was recognised after an exceptional debut season with the Brisbane Bears. He played 20 senior matches, averaged 21 disposals and showed the skill and decision-making that later defined his career.

The award was introduced in 1993 to honour the outstanding young player of the AFL season. It is voted on by the league’s senior coaches, who award votes after each match while excluding players who are ineligible because of age or previous experience.

Buckley later moved to Collingwood, where he became captain and won the 2003 Brownlow Medal. The Rising Star award was subsequently associated with sponsor names, but its purpose has remained the same: identifying the season’s leading emerging player.