GIANTS Academy player Tom Green has been named in the 2019 NAB AFL Under-18 All Australian Team.
The 18-year-old wrapped up an impressive under-18 carnival with the Allies on Wednesday evening and was named in the midfield for the All Australian team on Thursday afternoon.
Green – an 188cm on-baller who has been likened to Carlton captain Partick Cripps – was impressive in his four games, named amongst the Allies’ best players in each game and averaging 23.5 disposals.
It caps off a remarkable underage season for Green.
The Canberran averaged 33 disposals per game for the GIANTS Academy in four NAB League games earlier this year and last month was nominated for the NEAFL Rising Star after racking up 28 disposals and kicking a goal in the GIANTS’ win over Gold Coast.
Speaking to AFL.com.au’s Riley Beveridge, Green said his experience in the GIANTS Academy has helped him greatly.
His relationship with Academy graduates Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming have helped him through a year that could end with him being drafted in the first round.
"It's less advice, more speaking about their path through this year," Green told AFL.com.au.
"You hear about their experience, which has really helped.
"I still train with the GIANTS Academy back in Canberra, but then throughout the year if I'm playing NEAFL … coaches and people around the club will message me and make sure I'm going alright and I'm tracking well."
While the buzz around Green continues to grow louder, the contested ball winner isn’t letting the talk get in the way of him playing at his best.
"You can't really think too much about that stuff," Green said.
"If you keep playing good footy, it'll keep coming about. Some people may not necessarily enjoy that sort of attention, but I don't really mind it.
"It comes about through one thing, so hopefully I keep playing good footy and it keeps coming."
Green is the seventh GIANTS Academy player to have been named an Under-18 All Australian with 2018 GIANTS draftee Kieren Briggs the most recent Academy player to receive the honour.
