Lyon’s Rising Star pick

GARRY Lyon believes Sydney draftee Errol Gulden is the best of this year’s AFL Rising Star crop.

Gulden picked up 19 disposals in the Swans’ win over GWS on Sunday evening and has provided energy and spark across the season.

He missed a chunk of 2021 with a shin injury, which sees him behind the likes of Tom Green, Luke Jackson, James Jordon and Nik Cox in the race for the award, but Lyon is still enamoured with the youngster.

“I don’t think this kid’s going to win the NAB Rising Star, but I think he’s the best of the group and his name’s Errol Gulden,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.

“I think he’s the best player out of that group. I think he’s a super player.

“I think he’s going to be a really, really good player.

“His ball-use is superb, his footy-smarts and IQ are through the roof, I think he’s the best of the whole lot.

“He missed a whole chunk of footy so he might not win the Rising Star, but for me I think he’s the best of that group.”

Gulden was selected with pick 32 in the 2020 National Draft as an Academy selection.

– BY NIC NEGREPONTIS/ SEN