Exciting youngster Riley Hamilton is the Telstra AFL Rising Star nominee for round 18 after his eye-catching performance in the GIANTS’ comeback win over the Cats on Saturday.
Playing in just his second AFL game after debuting the week prior, the talented teenager announced himself to the footy world with a brilliant outing which saw him register 15 disposals, seven score involvements, and kick two crucial second-half goals in the club’s thrilling 13-point win over Geelong.
Blessed with the ability to impact both in the air and at ground level, the 189cm hybrid forward has quickly shown across his first two games that he’s certainly got all the tools to make him an exciting addition to the GIANTS’ forward line for years to come.
The 19-year-old's impressive showing comes after earning his AFL debut in round 17 following consistent stellar VFL form which saw him kick 26 goals in 12 games, including at least one goal in every game and multiple majors in 10 of his 12 appearances.
Hailing from Canberra – where he made a dream debut a fortnight ago – Hamilton’s recognition as this week’s Telstra AFL Rising Star nominee continues a fantastic tale of perseverance after he was originally overlooked in his draft year after a devastating ACL injury suffered the year prior.
Determined to make it to the elite level, Hamilton played for the GIANTS Academy and the Allies as an overage player in 2025, as well as for the club’s VFL side, where a string of impressive performances saw him picked up by the GIANTS as a Category B Rookie in the 2025 Rookie Draft.
Saturday’s breakout performance sees Hamilton become the second GIANT to receive a Telstra AFL Rising Star nomination this season, with promising teammate Phoenix Gothard earning the honour in round six.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football, Jason McCartney, said Hamilton’s Rising Star nomination was great reward for his hard work and talent.
“Riley has come into the side and been really impressive and it’s fantastic to see him rewarded with a Rising Star nomination,” he said.
“After really strong form at VFL level he’s certainly made the most of his opportunity in the AFL side and looked really comfortable at the level.
“To see him step up on the weekend and make a really strong contribution in our win over Geelong in just his second game was exciting for such a young player.
“He’s continued to work hard since he arrived at the club and we’re looking forward to seeing that continue and seeing what sort of player he can become for us in the future.”
After back-to-back impressive wins over the Dockers and the Cats, the GIANTS will aim to continue their late-season surge when they take on the Bombers at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
