Defender Connor Idun has been rewarded for his breakout season with the round 23 nomination for the NAB AFL Rising Star award.
Idun is just the second fourth-round selection, after Adelaide’s Lachie Sholl, to be nominated this year and has cemented himself as a key member of the GIANTS backline.
According to Champion Data, Idun has defended 46 one-on-one contests this season and only been out-marked once, which ranks him second across the AFL (behind Liam Jones).
In round 23 against Carlton, Idun collected 17 possessions, took five marks and recorded three rebound 50s.
Having joined the GIANTS as pick 61 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft from the Geelong Falcons, Idun took his game to a new level in 2021 by playing 21 of a possible 22 games so far.
He’s quickly become an important part of the defensive group alongside the likes of Sam Taylor, Nick Haynes and Isaac Cumming.
The 21-year old has stood on some of the competition’s most dangerous players including Dustin Martin, Tom Papley and Eric Hipwood, demonstrating his versatility by matching up on opponents of all sizes.
Vice-captain Toby Greene announced the news to the team on Monday afternoon which was warmly received by Idun’s teammates.
Coach Leon Cameron said he couldn’t be happier for the third-year defender.
“We’re delighted that Connor has received this nomination and he thoroughly deserves the recognition,” said Cameron.
“He’s one of a number of young players that have taken their game to a new level this year and his energy around the group is infectious.
“To Connor’s credit, he went away and worked really hard last summer and it’s paying off as he’s become an important part of our backline.”
Idun is the second GIANT nominated this year following Tom Green’s nomination in round nine. The winner of the 2021 NAB AFL Rising Star will be announced on Thursday night alongside the All-Australian team.
The GIANTS face cross-town rivals the Swans this Saturday in an Elimination Final in Launceston at 3.20pm.
