Tomas Bugg from the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS is the Round Five NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
Tomas was one of the GIANTS’ best against the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval last Saturday.
The 19-year-old utility played most of the match in defence, moving into the midfield in the final quarter. His opponents included Shaun Higgins, Justin Sherman and Nathan Djerrkura. He finished the match with 28 possessions and seven marks.
GIANTS coach Kevin Sheedy said Bugg has shown good endurance in all five matches this season.
“For a first year player Tom has shown tremendous poise and maturity and has been a consistent performer each week. His nomination is a reward not just for his game against the Western Bulldogs but what he has done every week playing in defence, often against bigger and more experienced opponents,” he said.
Tomas was a GWS 17-year-old access selection in 2011.
Originally recruited from Gembrook-Cockatoo Junior Football Club in Melbourne’s outer east, Tomas captained Caulfield Grammar while also playing for GWS in the NEAFL in 2011.
In 2010 he played for Gippsland in the TAC Cup, represented Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and was a member of the 2010 AIS-AFL Academy Squad.
Tomas is the second GIANT to be nominated for the 2012 NAB AFL Rising Star following Jeremy Cameron in Round Two.
