Zali Friswell has been recognised for her outstanding performance against Hawthorn on the weekend, with the speedy winger rewarded with the AFLW Rising Star nomination for Round 10.

Friswell was among Geelong’s best in Saturday’s 40-point win at GMHBA Stadium with her trademark dashing run-and-carry on display.

The 19-year-old finished with 17 disposals, four marks, three tackles, and two clearances against the Hawks, as well as five intercepts and four score involvements.

It was another strong performance for Friswell who is averaging 10.6 disposals and 3.8 tackles a game in 2023.

Originally from Aberfeldie Football Club, Friswell was a part of the Calder Cannons program in her draft year, while also playing eight VFLW games with Essendon as an underage player before being drafted by Geelong with pick 7 in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft.

After making her debut in Round 1 of 2022 Season 6, Friswell played seven games in her first season. She cemented her spot in the team in Season 7 and has played every game the past two seasons, taking her career tally to 28 games to date.

Geelong Cats AFLW Senior Coach Dan Lowther congratulated Friswell on her nomination.

“Zali has been a fantastic addition to our playing group the past three seasons and is really coming into her own on the wing,” Lowther said.

“She brings a lot of energy to every training session and game day, and her pace, clean skills, and composure under pressure are a real benefit for our team. 

“We’re thrilled to see Zali now receiving recognition from the football community with this Rising Star nomination.”