World Footy News

Nic Naitanui from the West Coast Eagles is the NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee for Round Four. The exciting ruckman was a standout for the Eagles as the team scored its first victory for the 2010 season over Essendon at Subiaco Oval on Friday night.

Dominating the ruck with Dean Cox – a player he once idolised as a junior - Nic had 17 hitouts and gathered 13 disposals, 10 of which were contested and five tackles. His ability to clear the ball from ruck stoppages was a highlight with a game high equalling seven clearances.

The milestone for Naitanui will be keenly followed by those in his family's homeland of Fiji and no doubt by many immigrant Australians who dream of making their mark in Australian football. Nic is a raging favourite to take out the Rising Star award for the entire 2010 season following his outstanding form in the season so far. Nic has played all four matches in 2010 averaging 14 possessions and 16 hitouts. Since making his AFL debut in round 12 last year, Nic has become a cult figure in the West, thrilling crowds with his extraordinary athleticism. “Nic is a very exciting developing player and is certainly capturing the imagination of the public,” coach John Worsfold said.

“He is still learning, but has a great appetite for the game, so he’s a great young player to coach. “We knew when we drafted Nic that he had some special qualities and we are already seeing some of those qualities on display.”

From Midvale Junior Football Club, Nic was the West Coast Eagles’ first round selection at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft and selection two overall. An outstanding junior career saw him earn dual All-Australian selection at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and play and integral role in Swan Districts’ senior WAFL team. He was a standout at the 2008 NAB AFL Draft Camp, equaling Jared Brennan’s running vertical leap record of 102cm.

Nic’s junior teammate at both Midvale and Swan Districts, and the number six selection in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft Chris Yarran was the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee in round one.

Following each round of the home and away season, a panel of judges will select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star. The 2010 NAB AFL Rising Star will receive a personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.

NAB will recognise the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Each of the 22 clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award, a package of practical and financial resources designed to assist them in developing future champions. The NAB AFL Rising Star is the pinnacle of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.

The NAB AFL Rising Stars Program provides recognition and a clearly identifiable direction for a player's career, and comprises the following elements:

· NAB AFL Rising Star
· NAB AFL Draft
· NAB AFL Draft Camp
· NAB AFL Under 18 Championships
· AIS-AFL Academy
· NAB AFL Under 16 Championships