GIANTS young gun Brent Daniels has been named the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for round 23.

Now in his second season in the AFL, Daniels was outstanding in the GIANTS’ 72-point-win over the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday night. 

The 170cm GIANT collected 19 disposals, took six marks, laid three tackles and had two goal assists.

Playing primarily as a forward this season, Daniels also spent some time in the midfield during the game at Metricon Stadium. 

“It’s good reward for effort I think I’ve had a pretty consistent season, it’s just good to get it,” Daniels said.

“I don’t play to get individual awards but it’s good to get recognition.

“I got a bit more midfield time and got around the ball a bit, and got involved in a few more score involvements and score assists so it was good.”

After being drafted with pick 27 in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft from the Bendigo Pioneers, via junior club Nyah-Nyah West United, Daniels played seven games in 2018 after debuting in round 16. 

One of the club’s most consistent players, Daniels has played all 22 of the GIANTS’ games in 2019 and has kicked nine goals. 

“I’m feeling more comfortable, last year I got seven games in and I probably didn’t play as well as I have this year,” Daniels said. 

“Those games were pretty important to get the hang of the game and the speed as well.

“It’s been pretty good this year, I’ve played nearly 30 games now and I’m getting more comfortable with ball in hand which I think is showing.”

Daniels is the GIANTS’ first NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee in 2019 and the first since Sam Taylor was the round 17, 2018 nominee.

While Daniels is surrounded by quality players and coaches at the GIANTS, and works closely with Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron, he said the person who has had biggest impact on his career is his dad.

“He was a footballer himself and growing up he taught me to enjoy my football,” Daniels said.

“He told me to bring my best effort and as a small guy that’s probably one of my best traits.”