Will exciting forward Cam McCarthy be the GIANTS’ first NAB AFL Rising Star winner? We won’t have long to find out.

Nominees will gather at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne later today with the winner of the award to be announced at approximately 2.20pm.

The GIANTS’ cult figure affectionately known as “Sunshine” burst onto the scene in Round 23 last year, kicking a 50m clutch goal from the boundary with his first kick in the AFL.

He continued to turn heads in 2015 with strong performances in the NAB Challenge earning himself a regular starting spot in the GIANTS’ forward line this season.

McCarthy received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in Round 8 after kicking four goals in the GIANTS’ 24-point win against Adelaide at Spotless Stadium.

The 20-year-old also kicked a five-goal bag against Gold Coast in Round 4 and slotted four goals against Collingwood in Round 11.

He has kicked a total of 35 goals for the GIANTS this season and averages nine disposals, four marks and one tackle per match.

Other nominees for the award include Carlton midfielder Patrick Cripps, Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan and Swan midfielder Issac Heeney.

McCarthy was selected with pick 14 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.

He is the 14th player in GIANTS history to be nominated for the award.