Teenage midfielder Josh Caddy from the Gold Coast Suns is the round 16 AFL Rising Star nominee.
The 19-year-old kicked a goal and gathered 15 disposals in the Suns’ two-point win over Richmond at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns last Saturday night.
Caddy made a delayed AFL debut in round 23 2011 after being held back by foot and groin injuries.
But he has played every game since and has cemented himself in the Suns’ midfield, averaging over 18 disposals a match.
He snared a career-high 27 possessions against the Western Bulldogs in round 8 and kicked three goals against Geelong in round 15.
Suns coach Guy McKenna said Caddy’s nomination was another positive from the weekend for the club.
“After such a difficult year in 2011, Josh has been outstanding this season,” McKenna said.
“He has displayed maturity and leadership that you don’t often see from players in their first or second season of football and has been fulfilling roles on the field well beyond his experience.”