Williams hoping to rise to the top

By James Matthey

The future of the GWS GIANTS looks certain to be a bright one, especially if their youthful brigade continues to make their mark in the competition, much like the Riverina’s Zac Williams has done this season.

The exciting midfielder is in the running the receive the 2013 NAB Rising Star award, which will be handed to the game’s best young talent in Melbourne on Wednesday September 4.

Williams will be keen to fight off competition from teammates Lachie Whitfield and Adam Tomlinson for the prestigious honour and follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Adelaide’s Daniel Talia.

The 18-year old was nominated for the prize after his standout performance against Melbourne in Round 19, accumulating 21 possessions, five marks and three tackles in the GIANTS’ first win of the campaign.

His comrade Whitfield earned the chance to compete for the accolade after an eye-catching performance in Round 10 against Carlton, and has enjoyed a sparkling debut year, averaging 17 possessions a game across his 19 appearances.

Tomlinson has matured in his second year of AFL football, playing 17 games this season, and was nominated for the Rising Star award after arguably his best display of the year in Round 17 against Essendon.

Sydney Swans gun Tom Mitchell is another from the two Sydney based teams also in the hunt, gaining recognition in just his second senior game against Adelaide in Round 11 in which he racked up 31 touches, 10 tackles and a goal.

The former Narrandera superstar was one of the first Slater & Gordon GIANTS Academy members to graduate onto the club’s rookie list, before being promoted to the senior list and making his debut in Round 5.

The honour would be the perfect way to cap off a breakthrough season for the young-gun, who will be hoping to build on the 11 games that he played for the GIANTS in 2013.

The NAB Rising Star winner will be awarded the Ron Evans Medal and a $20 000 personal investment folio courtesy of NAB.