The AFL New Zealand Rising Star award will be awarded weekly to a standout young player in the 2021 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
Each week the award will be allocated to those who show ability that favours the core components it takes to become an AFL Player. To be eligible to be nominated for the award, a player must be born in 2002 or younger.
The AFL New Zealand Rising Star award for round 7 of the 2021 AFL New Zealand Premiership has been awarded to Oliver Giamblanco from the Northern Suns.
Oliver is playing in his first season of the Premiership and is making a name for himself.
After a consistent first season, Oliver had a breakout game in the final round robin game against the Southern Saints. Giamblanco had multiple touches of the footy and created a number of opportunities for the Premiership side.
As Oliver continues to develop his game, he will grow into an all round player.
“ It was my absolute pleasure to have everything I have worked closely with Oliver bring to fruition Sunday against the Southern Saints. Being the true linkage player in a series of give and goes and stoppage clearance around the ground, it was truly inspiring to see the way Ollie played the way he did.” Adem Manderovic Head Coach.
AFL New Zealand spoke to Oliver and asked him a couple of questions during the week.
What School do you attend?
Christchurch Boys High School
What sport did you play growing up?
I played Football (Soccer) and more recently rugby
How did you get into AFL?
I used to kick a footy around with a mate and ended up finding the Youth Programme online
What do you enjoy about playing AFL?
I enjoy it because it’s fast paced and it’s not as stop start as Rugby or Football
What are your goals for AFL in the future?
I am looking to continue to develop my game and hopefully one day, I can represent the Falcons
What do you think your biggest advantage is out on the field?
My spatial awareness. Coming from a football background, I know how to create space for myself to get the ball
- The Auckland AFL Club, the North Shore Tigers will target the support of their players as they push for higher honours in 2024
- Shakers secure experienced premiership campaigners
- Brisbane run it home in the fourth quarter to win second title
- Community Matter helping AFL New Zealand provide opportunities to youth in the Northland region.
- Counties youth gaining more sporting opportunities thanks to the support of Community Matter
