The AFL New Zealand Rising Star award will be awarded weekly to a standout young player in the 2023 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
The AFL New Zealand Rising Star award for round 2 of the 2023 AFL New Zealand Premiership has been awarded to 17 year old Western Crow, Tane Kirton.
Tane Kirton, another graduate of the AFLNZ Youth and Academy programmes had a breakout first season in the Auckland AFL with the North Shore Tigers and has continued his streak of strong performances into the Premiership.
Tane has featured in the premiership Team of Week for Round 1 and 2 and was selected among the best players for the Crows against the Giants. A fast, agile small forward who can also hold his in the midfield, Tane has potential to be an attacking utility. However it was his defense that made him shine against the Giants, making multiple big tackles late in the game as well as taking vital intercept marks.
AFL New Zealand spoke to Kirton and asked him a couple of questions during the week.
What School do you attend?
I attended Westlake Boys High School
What sport did you play growing up?
I played AFL and Basketball
How did you get into AFL?
I grew up in Aus and my mates got me into it
What are your goals for AFL in the future?
Go pro
What do you think your biggest advantage is out on the field?
My speed, fitness and work ethic
