Mitch Edwards' superb 2026 season has notched another significant accomplishment, with the emerging ruckman awarded the Round 22 Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination. 

Tasked with taking on Collingwood's reigning best and fairest winner, Darcy Cameron, Edwards played a vital role through the middle of the ground and helped to lead Geelong to a crucial victory last Thursday night. 

The young star won 25 hit-outs against the Magpies, including a game-high nine hit-outs to advantage, while recording by far the best hit-out to advantage percentage of any player on the ground. 

Edwards was also able to collect 12 disposals and three clearances, but perhaps most importantly was his ability to get forward and have an impact, recording four score involvements and five inside 50 entries. 

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Mitch Edwards | Telstra Rising Star Nomination Round 21

Mitch Edwards has been rewarded for an excellent debut season with a Telstra Rising Star Nomination for his Round 21 efforts against Collingwood.

It is the latest in a long line of impressive performances for Edwards, who has been one of the shining lights for Geelong this year in his first season at the top level. 

After making his AFL debut in Round 1 against Fremantle, the 21-year-old has gone on to play 16 games across the season, assuming the mantle as the Cats' main ruck option in 2026. 

He currently ranks in the competition's top 20 players for hit-outs, hit-outs to advantage and hit-out win percentage, a remarkable achievement considering he had never featured at the elite level coming into the campaign. 

Edwards' performance against the Magpies follows on from another strong showing against Melbourne the week prior, where he helped keep Max Gawn to no intercept possessions for the first time in two years, while also imposing himself around stoppages. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 30: Mitchell Edwards of the Cats and Darcy Cameron of the Magpies compete for the ball during the 2026 AFL Round 21 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 30, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

His dominance against Collingwood in Round 21 helped lead the Cats to a +17 differential in the clearance battle, tied for their best differential since Round 21 of the 2024 season. 

Edwards becomes Geelong's first AFL Rising Star nomination in the 2026 season, the club's first nominee since Connor O'Sullivan in Round 2 last year. 

The sky is the limit for the emerging ruckman as he continues to build in his first AFL campaign, with another fascinating battle against Essendon awaiting on Saturday afternoon. 

Geelong will celebrate Retro Round at GMHBA Stadium in Round 22, with the Cats set to wear a specially designed guernsey recognising some of the most incredible eras in the club's history. Follow the link below to secure your tickets.