Dashing defender Joe Fonti has been named the AFL’s Telstra Rising Star nominee for round 20 after standing tall in the GIANTS’ backline during Friday’s comeback win over crosstown rivals the Sydney Swans.
Originally from Fremantle in Western Australia, Fonti has been a consistent performer in his second season for the GIANTS, after debuting in round 17 of 2024.
The tenacious defender was called into the senior side to face the Swans in round eight earlier this season and has held his spot in the backline ever since, including his stellar showing in Friday’s Sydney Derby win.
Playing a key role in a defensive effort that kept the Swans to just one goal in the second half, Fonti’s performance included 14 touches as well as a fourth quarter spoil that stymied the Swans fading hopes of a fight-back, with the GIANTS going on to secure a 44-point win over the Swans at ENGIE Stadium.
Taken with pick 44 in the 2023 AFL Draft, the 20-year-old has proved an invaluable contributor throughout the season.
Injuries to Sam Taylor and Lachie Whitfield opened the door for him to step up, and he’s taken the opportunity with both hands, showcasing his strong aerial skills, sharp play reading, and rebounding speed - all important assets in the GIANTS orange tsunami playing style.
The medium defender’s ball use and decision-making skills were forged in his original capacity as a midfielder for WAFL side Claremont, and as a Western Australia representative, before he attracted attention with a switch to defence in his overage draft year.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said Fonti’s Rising Star nomination is a commendation of his work rate and consistency since joining the team.
“Joe has routinely proven himself as a hard worker, great clubman and consistent performer since arriving at the club in 2023,” McCartney said.
“He’s worked incredibly hard to lock in a spot in our backline this season and has shown his character by way of intent and work ethic in retaining that position.
“Having come from Western Australia, we’ve been immensely proud of the way he’s adopted the club’s values and bought his family into the fold, committing to the club last year for another two seasons.
“Joe has adapted to the GIANTS fast break play and has been an important contributor in our transition game this year, building off a strong debut last season.
“His performance on Friday against the Swans was just the latest in a series of impressive outings, but it’s great to see him recognised and rewarded with a Rising Star nomination.”
2025 Telstra AFL Rising Star nominees:
- OR/R1: Sam Lalor (Richmond)
- R2: Connor O'Sullivan (Geelong Cats)
- R3: Harvey Langford (Melbourne)
- R4: Levi Ashcroft (Brisbane Lions)
- R5: Archie Roberts (Essendon)
- R6: Murphy Reid (Fremantle)
- R7: Xavier Lindsay (Melbourne)
- R8: Hugo Garcia (St Kilda)
- R9: Nate Caddy (Essendon)
- R10: Cooper Lord (Carlton)
- R11: Angus Clarke (Essendon)
- R12: Ed Allan (Collingwood)
- R13: Dan Curtin (Adelaide Crows)
- R14: Tyrell Dewar (West Coast Eagles)
- R15: Finn O'Sullivan (North Melbourne)
- R16: Clay Hall (West Coast Eagles)
- R17: Isaac Kako (Essendon)
- R18: Luke Trainor (Richmond)
- R19: Ashton Moir (Carlton)
- R20: Joe Fonti (GIANTS)
