The AFL New Zealand Rising star award for round 4 of the 2016 Premiership has been awarded to Western Crows defender Alastair Maisey.
The young defender from Lynfield College in Auckland produced a man of the match performance for the Western Crows against the Northern Suns over the weekend. Playing off the half back flank, Maisey attacked the ball all game and did not shy away from any contest. This is helped by his strong physical attributes. Alastair was given freedom to move up the field on attack by his coach Rob Malone but worked hard to make sure he was by his man when the ball was turned over.
National High Performance Manager Mick Coultard selects the Rising Star each week and was impressed with Alastair’s performance against the Suns. “Alastair shows great attack on the ball and physical presence for his age. He has identified some skill areas that he wants to develop and once he works through these he will be a dominate defender in the competition.”
AFL New Zealand caught up with Alastair after the game.
What School do you attend?
I attend Lynfield College.
What kind of sports did you play growing up?
Growing up I played Soccer, Rugby union, Rugby league, and Athletics.
How did you get into AFL?
I got introduced to AFL through School. Our class had coaches come in from AFLNZ 2 years ago to teach us about the game and enjoyed playing it. From there, I was selected in the AFLNZ Academy and I have been playing ever since.
What do you enjoy about playing AFL?
AFL combines a multiple number of the sports. I love playing sport so to be able to play a game that takes the best parts of those sports and put them into one game is awesome.
What are your goals for AFL in the future?
My goals for the future are to make a national squad, and go on a touro the International Cup in 2017. I also want to work on my kicking game so I can kick off both feet.
What do you think your biggest advantage is out on the field?
My biggest advantage on the field would probably have to be my physical abilities. I feel like I am a more well-rounded athlete in physical terms in which I’m fit, strong and reasonably quick. So physically I can provide more of an impact compared to other parts of my game.
