Freo had not received a Rising Star nomination since Zac Clarke in round 20, 2011. Young second-year key forward Matt Taberner changed that with an excellent performance against Brisbane at the Gabba in round 22.

‘Tabs’ ran his opponent to all corners of the Gabba to haul in 10 marks on his way to 22 disposals and a goal.

"It was a pretty complete game, personally. I thought I pressured all right, I ran pretty hard and as a forwards group we were really consistent through the game,” he said.