Rising Essendon forward Nate Caddy earned himself the round 22 AFL rising star nomination.
Caddy had 15 disposals along with six marks and seven score involvements in the Bombers loss to the Gold Coast Suns. He also kicked three goals.
The 19-year-old key forward is averaging 10.9 disposals, four marks and 1.1 goals per game from his eight appearances this year.
Caddy was drafted with pick 10 in the 2023 AFL draft.
He played his community football with Yarrambat Junior Football Club before joining the Northern Knights.
Caddy made his debut for Essendon against Richmond in the 2024 Dreamtime at the ‘G match.
Speaking to the Essendon website, Caddy said it was nice to get some recognition.
“It is obviously good to be noticed and a bit of reward for effort but we couldn’t get the win on the weekend,” he said. “It kind of doesn’t feel as sweet, [but] still a nice feeling.
“I had a bit of a rough start to the year so it was more about getting some continuity and playing my role and learning it and then once I learn my role, how to execute it and get on to a few play a good game on the weekend.”
Caddy was quick so say that he would have done a bit more in that game and that it’s not about how many goals and possessions he has but playing his role for the team
The youngster said was starting to feel confident matching it with the best in the country.
“I just go out there and try and compete the best I can,” he said. “It’s tough as a 19-year-old playing against some really good defenders,
“I’m just trying to be damaging and bring a bit of energy to the side for the back end of the year.”
