AFL news 2023, North Melbourne Kangaroos draftee Harry Sheezel named rising star, given new contract
Teen superstar Harry Sheezel has bounced back in the perfect way after copping vile abuse when he was drafted last year.
The 18-year-old was subjected to disgusting anti-Semitic comments on social media after being picked by North Melbourne at No.3 overall in November’s AFL draft.
“Look, those kind of people are gonna say stuff,” he said at the time.
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“But if you let it get to you, it can affect you. So I just try to focus on what I can control.
“I just think they should probably become more educated around the topic. They probably should understand the harm that their words can have on people.”
And Sheezel wasted no time showing the AFL world what he is capable of, and justifying his high draft pick.
The teen was selected to make his AFL debut in round one, and was a star of the show as the Kangaroos trumped West Coast by five points.
Sheezel had a game-high 34 touches from the halfback flank.
On Monday he was crowned the season’s first Rising Star award nominee, and on Tuesday the Kangaroos announced a new contract extension for the teen star.
He is now committed to the club until the end of 2026.
A number of AFL legends sung his praises following what was a spectacular debut.
AFL draftee speaks on anti-Semitic abuse
“It’s special, isn’t it? Never played on the back flank before and he made it look easy,” Bombers great Matthew Lloyd said on Nine’s Footy Classified.
”I’ve watched the kid come through for a number of years… he kicks bags (of goals) for Victoria, he wins grand finals. He’s a special, special player.”
All eyes will be on Sheezel again when the Kangaroos take on Fremantle on Saturday.
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