Emerging ruck Mitch Edwards has become the first Geelong Rising Star nominee since early in the 2025 season. The 21-year-old earned his nomination for the Ron Evans Medal after another solid performance in the Cats’ crucial Thursday night win over Collingwood at the MCG. Edwards tallied 25 hitouts, 12 disposals, five score involvements, three clearances and three marks against the Magpies. Article continues after this ad AdvertisementDrafted by Geelong with pick 32 in the 2023 National Draft from WAFL club Peel Thunder, the 206cm Edwards made his debut in the Round 1 win over Fremantle. He’s gone on to play 16 games, taking the mantle as the Cats’ No.1 big man.