GIANTS young gun Harvey Thomas has been named the AFL’s Telstra Rising Star nominee for round 14 after his strong performance in Sunday’s win over the Power.
A GIANTS Academy product, Thomas continued his stellar debut season with an impressive outing against the Power, with the 18-year-old collecting 15 disposals and kicking a goal to continue his case as one of the steals of last year’s draft.
Playing across half-forward, the smooth-moving left footer also added five tackles, three inside-50s and three score involvements as a key contributor in the GIANTS’ 22-point win over the Power at ENGIE Stadium (formerly GIANTS Stadium).
Taken with pick 59 in last year’s draft after being named the 2023 GIANTS Academy Player of the Year, Thomas made an immediate impact in his first pre-season at the club and was duly rewarded with an AFL debut in the GIANTS’ Opening Round win over Collingwood.
Thomas has since gone on to play in every GIANTS game so far this season in what has been a brilliant maiden AFL campaign to date.
While standing at just 176cm, Thomas’ silky skills, thirst for the contest, and his high footy IQ have seen him regularly contribute to Adam Kingsley’s side.
The talented teenager is averaging 11.7 disposals (at 74 per cent efficiency) and 3.2 tackles per game across his 13 games to go along with five goals in a creative role across half-forward.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said Thomas’ Rising Star nomination is well deserved.
“Harvey has been fantastic since arriving at the club and we’re thrilled that he’s been rewarded for his efforts with a Rising Star nomination,” McCartney said.
“He’s obviously come through our Academy where he was a standout and he’s been extremely impressive with his willingness to learn and work on his craft since entering our AFL program.
“Harvey has a great feel for the game for a first-year player and he’s got some fantastic traits that have us really excited about what he can develop into in the future.
“The fact he was able to make his way into our Opening Round side and keep his place across the first three months of the season is no easy feat as a teenager and it’s a testament to his talent and his work ethic.
“He continues to perform each week and it’s great to see his performance on the weekend rewarded with a Rising Star nomination.”
Hailing from Wagga Wagga, Thomas starred for the Allies, Caufield Grammar, and the Oakleigh Chargers last year before being selected by the GIANTS in the National Draft to make his AFL dream come true.
2024 AFL Telstra Rising Star nominees:
OR: Matt Roberts (Sydney Swans)
R1: Ollie Dempsey (Geelong Cats)
R2: George Wardlaw (North Melbourne)
R3: Harvey Gallagher (Western Bulldogs)
R4: Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs)
R5: Harley Reid (West Coast Eagles)
R6: Darcy Wilson (St Kilda)
R7: Jake Rogers (Gold Coast SUNS)
R8: Caleb Windsor (Melbourne)
R9: Colby McKercher (North Melbourne)
R10: Kai Lohmann (Brisbane Lions)
R11: Harvey Harrison (Collingwood)
R12: Bodhi Uwland (Gold Coast SUNS)
R13: Luke Nankervis (Adelaide Crows)
R14: Harvey Thomas (GIANTS)
