Crow earns Star nod
07/19/2010 10:53:14 PM
Adelaide defender Phil Davis is the Round 16 AFL Rising Star nominee after an impressive display against reigning premier Geelong on Friday night at AAMI Stadium.
The 19-year-old, recruited from North Adelaide, held Cats star Cameron Mooney to just two goals and collected 14 possessions across the half-back line in the Crows' 11-point upset win.
Davis made his debut in Adelaide's eight-goal loss to Carlton in Round 4 and has been a permanent fixture ever since, only missing one game due to injury.
Adelaide Crows coach Neil Craig is clearly delighted with the young tall's development.
"Phil has made a solid start to his AFL career. He is very coachable, likes to listen and learn and has worked hard to improve areas of his game. The way he returned after that heavy knock (against Fremantle) is a credit to the way he goes about his football and has made him a favourite among the fans," Craig said.
It was Davis' showing against the Dockers which confirmed his undeniable talent and appetite for the contest.
After holding Matthew Pavlich to just three first-half disposals, Davis kept his eye on the ball despite an oncoming Aaron Sandilands and was crunched for his efforts. The St Peter's College junior may have suffered an AC joint sprain, but he won the respect of the footy world.
Davis was selected by the Crows at pick 10 in the 2008 AFL Draft and is part of a rampant Adelaide side which has won four matches on the trot and currently sits 10th on the AFL ladder.