The AFL New Zealand Rising star award for round 3 of the 2016 Premiership has been awarded to Ben Armstrong of the Western Crows.
Ben Armstrong hails from Northland and has been playing AFL at Secondary School level at Bay of Islands College over the past 2 years. Armstrong was awarded the Rising Star for his performance during Round 4’s game of the AFLNZ Premiership against the Southern Saints. His ability to position himself in the right spot is a positive attribute for a beginner of the game and Ben worked hard on making sure he backed his team mates through the middle of the field. Along with the Rising Star, Western Crows head coach Rob Malone awarded Ben ‘Best on ground’ during the presentations after the game.
National High Performance Manager Mick Coultard has seen Ben develop over the years. “Ben Armstrong still holds the New Zealand AFL Agility record of 7.64 seconds ran at the 2014 AFLNZ National combine. I know Ben has been working hard on refining his skills and over the last few rounds of the premiership developed each week combining his improved skills and physical attributes making him elusive to opponents, and in good position to receive the ball. It will be good watching him grow as a player and individual as he becomes comfortable in the premiership format.”
What School did you attend?
I’m in my last year at Bay of Island College.
What kind of sports did you play growing up?
Growing up I loved playing Rugby, Basketball and Touch.
How did you get into AFL?
I got involved into AFL by competing in the Northland Secondary School Hawks Cup competition and our school won and qualified to play in the North island Champs in Auckland.
What do you enjoy about playing AFL?
I enjoy the variation of skills within the game such as kicking, marking and the unique way of a handpass.
What are your goals for AFL in the future?
My goal is to win the premiership with the Western Crows and look to be involved with future NZ teams and strive to make it into the senior team and play in the 2017 International Cup.
What do you think your biggest advantage is out on the field?
My advantages over other players is my quick acceleration and speed to get away from my defenders and deliver the ball to a team mate or chase down the oppositio. Also my ability to position myself well for a handpass and support play.
