Young Sydney Swans trio James Rose, Ryley Stoddart and James Rowbottom starred at the 2019 NEAFL MVP awards presentation on Sunday night. 

Rose and Stoddart were named in the NEAFL Team of the Year at Sofitel Brisbane Central to rubber-stamp exceptional campaigns in the second-tier competition, while Rowbottom claimed the Goal of the Year honour.

Rose, who played predominantly in the midfield and rotated through the forward line, gathered an average of 30.4 disposals, six marks and 4.6 tackles per match during the regular season, while he also booted 33 goals.

Meanwhile, Stoddart was outstanding at half-back, collecting an average of 18.1 disposals and five marks per game.

Sydney development Jeremy Laidler praised the duo’s NEAFL campaigns.

“James Rose and Ryley Stoddart had a taste of senior footy this year and came back and played really good football in the NEAFL,” Laidler said.

“At the end of the day we’re here to play AFL footy but you need really good form in the NEAFL to get there. A few of our boys have been rewarded with AFL games by their consistency and their performance in the NEAFL.”

Rowbottom secured the Goal of the Year award with a monstrous six-pointer against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium in Round 2. 

The first-year Swan beat an opponent to the footy on the right wing and slammed the ball on the boot from 80 metres out.

Astonishingly, the ball sailed about 50 metres on the full, before bouncing repeatedly for about 30 metres into an open goal.

Laidler has vivid memories of Rowbottom’s extraordinary effort.

“I was just happy that he kicked it inside 50,” Laidler said.

“I don’t think he was even looking to kick a goal. He was kicking towards goals and he got some really good bounces. It was in front of the interchange bench at Metricon Stadium, so it would have been 75-80 metres out, so it was a fair kick.”