Exciting youngster Phoenix Gothard has been named the Telstra AFL Rising Star nominee for round six following another strong performance in the Sydney Derby against the Swans on Friday night.
The talented 20-year-old, who recently signed a new two-year deal, registered 20 disposals and two goals to go along with eight score involvements, six inside 50s, and seven tackles to continue the brilliant start to his 2026 campaign.
Selected with pick 12 in the 2023 Draft after impressing for both the Allies and the Murray Bushrangers, Gothard spent his first two seasons at the GIANTS battling injury before bursting onto the scene last month with his AFL debut in the club’s Opening Round win over the Hawks.
Gothard has since gone on to play in each of the club’s opening six games where he has quickly established himself as one of the club’s most promising youngsters.
Blessed with elite pace and agility, and the ability to create something out of nothing, Gothard has fit seamlessly into the GIANTS’ forward line where he has averaged over 16 disposals and almost four tackles per game while kicking at least one goal in five of his six games.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said it was great to see Gothard rewarded for his strong form.
“It’s fantastic to see Phoenix acknowledged across the league as a really exciting young talent,” McCartney said.
“He’s clearly got some really strong traits and we’ve seen that across the first six games where he’s come in and really executed his role to a tee.
“He’s had to work hard to get his opportunity at AFL level but he’s taken it with both hands and we’re looking forward to seeing what sort of player he can become for us in the future.”
Gothard will look to continue his strong form on Sunday when the GIANTS host the Kangaroos in Canberra as skipper Toby Greene creates history as the club’s all-time games record holder.
