GWS wingman Finn Callaghan has been awarded the spherical 7 AFL Rising Star nomination after his influential efficiency within the Giants’ gorgeous one-point Sydney derby win.
The stylish left-footer was recognised after he had 26 disposals at 88 per cent effectivity towards the Swans on the SCG, additionally taking 10 marks as he supplied an essential hyperlink for the Giants between defence and assault.
Callaghan is the primary Giant to be nominated for the award since defender Connor Idun on the finish of the 2021 season in one other signal of the membership’s revitalisation underneath new coach Adam Kingsley.
The 20-year-old mentioned his contribution to the heart-stopping Sydney derby win in entrance of greater than 30,000 individuals had crammed him with confidence and fuelled extra drive to assist push his aspect in direction of a return to finals motion.
“It was a massive build up internally – we really needed a win against the cross-town rivals in the Swans and we really wanted to beat them,” Callaghan mentioned.
“I was pretty nervous before the game actually, because everyone says it goes up a level against the Swans, it’s a finals-like intensity, so to contribute and play my role in that is really pleasing.”
Callaghan is averaging 24.5 disposals and 7 marks in a constant final 4 matches, and mentioned he had overcome shoulder soreness stemming from a heavy hit towards the Eagles in Perth in spherical 2.
“I copped a hit against West Coast and it was pretty sore after. It wasn’t really hurting (during the next games) but I definitely felt it was there in rounds 3 and 4 … it was a little sore but that’s completely fine now,” he mentioned.
“My shoulders aren’t causing me any grief, they’re both fine now.”
The 12-gamer mentioned he was decided to place collectively a constant season with the purpose of taking part in in entrance of extra large and energised crowds.
He mentioned the Giants have been upbeat regardless of their 3-4 begin to the season because of their competitiveness in all the losses.
“It’s good that we have been able to run out games and really play well in four quarters,” he mentioned.
“Being in every game is a really good trait to have as a team, so we’re proud of that and we feel really strongly as a club that if we keep playing this way, we’ve got a tough month ahead but we can win a few of those games and set up the back end of our year to have a good run at finals.
“I love playing in front of big crowds, that’s why everyone plays the game, and that’s what finals are.”
AFL Rising Star Nominations 2023
R1: Harry Sheezel, North Melbourne
R2: Will Ashcroft, Brisbane
R3: Reuben Ginbey, West Coast
R4: Mitch Owens, St Kilda
R5: Max Michalanney, Adelaide
R6: Jai Culley, West Coast
R7: Finn Callaghan, GWS
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
