WITHOUT a Queensland influence on the Rising Star selection panel, Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch is fearful Lewy Taylor and James Aish could get overlooked for the award.
Aish, and particularly Taylor, are two of the frontrunners to win the gong after being mainstays of the Lions' promising season.
Taylor has played every game and averaged 17 disposals, while Aish has missed just one game and averaged 18.
Leppitsch levelled a not-too-subtle reminder to selectors that teams existed north of the Tweed River.
"Both [Taylor and Aish] have had exceptional years," Leppitsch said.
"I don't think Lewy's had a bad game all year.
"It depends if the selectors actually turn on the box when the Brisbane games are on or they don't really, that's what is going to decide it.
"A lot of those selection committees, there isn't a Queensland voice on them, whether it's us or the Suns.
"You're relying on a bit of something else.
"South Australian blokes are pushing the South Australians, West Australians the same. It'd be nice to have a Queensland voice on those committees."
Gold Coast's Jaeger O'Meara won last year's award after a near-unanimous vote for his sublime first season.
The Rising Star selection panel is headed by AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan and also includes Kevin Bartlett, Luke Darcy, Mark Evans, Danny Frawley, Glen Jakovich, Cameron Ling, Matthew Richardson, Warren Tredrea and Kevin Sheehan.
Every judge votes on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis for their preferred candidate over the season.
AFL.com.au journalists tipped Western Bulldogs Marcus Bontempelli to narrowly edge out Taylor for the award.
Leppitsch said "weight of numbers" should also be enough to see his vice-captain Tom Rockliff earn his first All Australian selection as well.
