GWS wingman Finn Callaghan has been awarded the round 7 AFL Rising Star nomination after his influential performance in the Giants’ stunning one-point Sydney derby win.
The classy left-footer was recognised after he had 26 disposals at 88 per cent efficiency against the Swans at the SCG, also taking 10 marks as he provided an important link for the Giants between defence and attack.
Callaghan is the first Giant to be nominated for the award since defender Connor Idun at the end of the 2021 season in another sign of the club’s revitalisation under new coach Adam Kingsley.
The 20-year-old said his contribution to the heart-stopping Sydney derby win in front of more than 30,000 people had filled him with confidence and fuelled more drive to help push his side towards a return to finals action.
“It was a massive build up internally – we really needed a win against the cross-town rivals in the Swans and we really wanted to beat them,” Callaghan said.
“I was pretty nervous before the game actually, because everyone says it goes up a level against the Swans, it’s a finals-like intensity, so to contribute and play my role in that is really pleasing.”
Callaghan is averaging 24.5 disposals and seven marks in a consistent last four matches, and said he had overcome shoulder soreness stemming from a heavy hit against the Eagles in Perth in round 2.
“I copped a hit against West Coast and it was pretty sore after. It wasn’t really hurting (during the next games) but I definitely felt it was there in rounds 3 and 4 … it was a little sore but that’s completely fine now,” he said.
“My shoulders aren’t causing me any grief, they’re both fine now.”
The 12-gamer said he was determined to put together a consistent season with the goal of playing in front of more big and energised crowds.
He said the Giants were upbeat despite their 3-4 start to the season due to their competitiveness in all of the losses.
“It’s good that we have been able to run out games and really play well in four quarters,” he said.
“Being in every game is a really good trait to have as a team, so we’re proud of that and we feel really strongly as a club that if we keep playing this way, we’ve got a tough month ahead but we can win a few of those games and set up the back end of our year to have a good run at finals.
“I love playing in front of big crowds, that’s why everyone plays the game, and that’s what finals are.”
AFL Rising Star Nominations 2023
R1: Harry Sheezel, North Melbourne
R2: Will Ashcroft, Brisbane
R3: Reuben Ginbey, West Coast
R4: Mitch Owens, St Kilda
R5: Max Michalanney, Adelaide
R6: Jai Culley, West Coast
R7: Finn Callaghan, GWS