AFTER an exceptional debut season in defence, Gold Coast's Georja Davies is the Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee for round 12. 

While Alannah Welsh (round two), Dekota Baron (round seven) and Ava Usher (round nine) have all earned nominations as exciting young forwards for the Suns in 2026, Davies has been rewarded for playing every game as a key pillar in an often thankless role in Gold Coast's backline. 

Averaging 9.6 disposals and 1.7 intercept marks, the 19-year-old has been a revelation for coach Rhyce Shaw, who has paired Davies’ athletic frame, natural leap and powerful overhead marking with seasoned defenders Meara Girvan and Clara Fitzpatrick as the Suns climbed from last in 2025 to just outside the top four.

Davies has also played alongside her sister Darcie, an emerging ruck who ranked inside the top 10 for contested marks. 

Drafted out of the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy, Davies was selected by the Suns with pick No.9 at the 2025 NAB AFLW Draft.

2026 Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominees

Round one: Sierra Grieves (Richmond)
Round two: Alannah Welsh (Gold Coast)
Round three: Lauren Young (Port Adelaide)
Round four: Jordyn Allen (Melbourne)
Round five: Jade McLay (St Kilda)
Round six: Olivia Wolmarans (Richmond)
Round seven: Dekota Baron (Gold Coast)
Round eight: Ash Centra (Collingwood)
Round nine: Ava Usher (Gold Coast)
Round 10: Chloe Bown (Adelaide) 
Round 11: Chantal Mason (Geelong)
Round 12: Georja Davies (Gold Coast)