Caleb Serong’s outstanding debut season has been rewarded, with a near-unanimous judging panel declaring Fremantle on-baller the winner of the 2020 AFL Rising Star. Serong, who has played with and against Rowell since the pair were 12, predicted Rowell would take the AFL by storm again next season. © West Australian Newspapers Limited 2020. The Victorian product, taken at No.8 in last year’s national draft, became part of the Dockers’ first-choice centre-square set-up and averaged 17 disposals across 14 games while minding some of the biggest stars in the AFL. Serong was rewarded with a debut in round four and never looked back. The … “I went back to Victoria and worked really hard with my two younger brothers. Caleb Serong (born 9 February 2001) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Fremantle Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). “I’m not sure if I would have been able to play the footy that I played if I hadn’t had that little extra pre-season,” he said. Caleb Serong will be pumping out a heap of mediocre scores this season. Serong slotted into Fremantle’s midfield brigade with aplomb this season, averaging 16.9 disposals and 3.4 clearances. Brandon Starcevich (Brisbane Lions) — 6. Player performance throughout this season & their full career. You can count on Caleb Serong to not get an injury that will lead to him missing games. The Victorian also took out the AFL Players’ Association best first year player award and follows fellow top-ten pick from last year’s draft Liam Henry re-signing with the Dockers. Caleb Serong of the Fremantle Dockers has won the AFL Rising Star award for the 2020 season. Picture: Chris Hyde, Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >, Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. FEAST ON THE DIVERSITY OF FREMANTLE BUSINESS, ‘I’d steal food’: Binge-eater’s weight loss, © West Australian Newspapers Limited 2020. Fremantle have re-signed 2020 Rising Star Caleb Serong, the contract extension adding two years to the 19-year-old’s current deal and keeping him in purple until at least the end of the 2023 season. Rising Star winner Caleb Serong has credited doing a second pre-season during the coronavirus shutdown and losing 5kg for his brilliant debut season in the AFL. Caleb Serong; Personal information; Full name: Caleb Serong: Date of birth 9 February 2001 (age 19)Original team(s) Gippsland Power ()/Geelong Grammar School () . Fremantle Docker Caleb Serong after being told he was the AFLPA best first-year player. Example Player Impacts Of The 2020 Supercoach Coronavirus Rule Changes. “We’re really close-knit and it’s really exciting what we’re building. Selecting Caleb Serong is an extremely stable investment for your side. Warragul Colts JFC: Draft: No. Sign up now! This is also known as Online Behavioural Advertising. However as Rowell has only played five games and will still be 19 at the start of next year, he’ll be eligible to win the 2021 Rising Star award. Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. “I was kind of half asleep when he called me and I didn’t really know what to think. I’m really proud about the way he’s gone about his year,” Longmuir said. Follow the boy's journey to Freo from being selected to their first training session. Fremantle's seven new draftees Hayden Young, Caleb Serong, Liam Henry, Michael…. Fremantle midfielder Caleb Serong has become the Dockers' third Rising Star after claiming the AFL's best young player award, edging out Gold Coast's Noah Anderson. AFL AWARDS NIGHT WRAP: Every vote, every winner. The type that is good for cash cow purposes, but not a season long lock for your side. But I have no doubt that he’s going to be back better than ever next year. Caleb Serong of the Dockers handpasses the ball during the 2020 AFL Round 09 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Collingwood Magpies. “In the back half of this year, we’ve really shown the excitement is there. Watch how the first round of the 2019 National Draft unfolded as Hayden Young (pick…, Fremantle’s newest NAB AFL Rising Star winner Caleb Serong has committed to a…, Caleb Serong has won the 2020 NAB AFL Rising Star, Freo's Caleb Serong had determination to succeed from day one. Rising Star winner Caleb Serong has credited doing a second pre-season during the coronavirus shutdown and losing 5kg for his brilliant debut season in the AFL. This makes Caleb Serong a low risk choice when it comes to considering players who might be injury prone. Fremantle finished 12th on the ladder with seven wins and ten losses, with the side building towards the end of the regular season under first-year coach Justin Longmuir. “My biggest goal at the start of the year was to play AFL footy and to make my debut, ideally to just keep my spot in the team. He's a very popular selection and will be a reliable point scoring machine. Nat Fyfe gave the new draftees a call after they were selected by Fremantle. To comment on this story and join the conversation, subscribe to The West Australian’s Everyday Digital package. He was nominated for the award after his Round 8 performance against Geelong, which saw him boot one goal from 22 disposals and seven tackles. Serong received an early morning phone call from Longmuir to tell him he had won. Fremantle have re-signed 2020 Rising Star Caleb Serong, the contract extension adding two years to the 19-year-old’s current deal and keeping him in … Fremantle recruit Caleb Serong speaks to the media ahead of training on Monday…. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said Serong deserved the honour. Rowell was snubbed by the 10 judges, despite producing four breathtaking games at the start of the 2020 season — which saw him move into an $8 third favourite behind only Lions star Lachie Neale ($5) and Blues captain Patrick Cripps ($7). They were with me at every running session and every gym session. Fremantle’s head of player personnel David Walls was delighted with the extension for one of the AFL’s best up-and-comers and noted Serong’s ability to take on the game’s greats, like Geelong’s Paddy Dangerfield, and not take a backward step. Caleb Serong Caleb Serong had an outstanding 2019 season co-captaining Vic Country at the NAB AFL U18 Championships, winning Vic Country's most valuable player award and being selected in both the Under 18 All Australian side and NAB League Team of the Year. Not just for this group but for the fans and everyone watching,” he said. “He’s been a really solid contributor for Fremantle.