GIANTS young gun Finn Callaghan is this week’s Rising Star nominee.
The 20-year-old, in his second season, had 26 disposals and 10 marks in the GIANTS’ thrilling one-point win over the Swans in Sydney Derby XXV.
Callaghan has played every game this season after injuries limited him to just five games in his debut season in 2022.
GIANTS General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, congratulated Callaghan on his nomination.
“This is such a well-deserved nomination for Finn, who is really finding his feet at AFL level this season,” McCartney said.
“He had a frustrating season last year but his attitude and commitment to improving himself never wavered and we’re seeing the results of that now.
“He’s playing a really important role for us on the wing at the moment and after re-signing earlier this year, we’re looking forward to him continuing to develop and grow over the coming years.”
Callaghan said it was exciting to receive this week’s nomination but the one-point win for the team was his main focus.
“It’s exciting, I think more importantly, it was great to get the win on the weekend,” he said.
“To play well in a good performance is exciting as well.
“It’ a bit of a cliché but I’ve just got to play my role in the system. Certainly beating the Swans, our cross-town rivals, we build it up to be a big game, one that we really wanted to win. I was lucky to get a bit of the ball … but it was more important to get the win and hopefully we build some momentum from here.”
The GIANTS selected Callaghan with their first pick in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft. He made his debut in round five in 2022 and re-signed with the GIANTS for a further two years earlier this season.