Alyce Parker’s stellar AFL Women’s debut for the GIANTS has been rewarded with the 18-year-old midfielder named a round one nominee for the 2019 NAB AFLW Rising Star.

Recruited with the GIANTS’ first pick (12th overall) of the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft from the Thurgoona Bulldogs in southern NSW, Parker racked up 18 disposals at 72 per cent disposal efficiency, took four marks and laid three tackles in the GIANTS’ nail-biting two-point loss to the Brisbane Lions at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex on Sunday.

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GIANTS AFLW coach Alan McConnell announced Parker’s nomination in front of the playing group in Brisbane on Monday morning. 

“I was too busy thinking about the game and what I could work on, so it was a huge surprise,” Parker said.

“I thought the debut topped things off already but to hear that was pretty special. 

“It probably would have been more special to have won (the game) but for myself, it’s a pretty big confidence booster; I’m very honoured to be recognised.”

The two time Under-18 All Australian is the fourth GIANT to be nominated for the Rising Star after teammates Erin McKinnon and Nicola Barr in 2017 and Rebecca Beeson in 2018.

Parker said McKinnon has been particularly influential in helping her settle into life in the AFLW.

“We live together, and Erin’s really helped with this week, which has been pretty daunting yet super exciting,” she said. 

“She was in the exact same position a couple of years ago, so she’s definitely helped me at home and coming from training in doing our debriefs. 

“She’s been pretty special for me over the last few weeks and during my move up to Sydney.”

From the small town of Holbrook in southern NSW, Parker looked comfortable during her senior debut. 

Parker displayed great game sense and was especially effective with her disposals by hand while her booming left-foot kick helped drive the GIANTS forward. 

“Obviously it was a lot more physical and there are stronger bodies, so it was pretty tough out there,” she said.

“Two weeks ago, at the practice match it was good to get that out of the way, but it was another step up for me.

“It was really good to be a part of it, there’s a lot to learn from it but at the same time it was very special.” 

Parker’s family were in Brisbane to watch her make her debut, travelling from their farm outside Holbrook to Albury where they then took two flights to get to Brisbane. 

“It was incredible, I wasn’t sure if they were able to make it, but it was great to have them there and it was even more special to have them there when I got presented the guernsey from Libby (Sadler, AFLW Manager),” Parker said. 

“They’re the reason why I’ve got to where I have and experienced the things that I have at such a young age, so I’m very thankful.” 

Parker and the GIANTS now look ahead to their first home game of the season when they take on the high-flying North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos at Drummoyne Oval on Friday night. 

“There’s a really good mindset with the group at the moment, we’re resetting and looking forward to Friday,” she said. 

“It’s a really quick turnaround and it’s pretty exciting being our first home game with hopefully a big crowd.

“For me, it’ll be really special with a lot of people from home coming up.”