SHUTTING down Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne has earned Port Adelaide youngster Jarman Impey the round eight NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
Impey, in just his eighth AFL game, kept the Dockers' forward goalless and held him to just nine touches in the Power's 18-point win at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
The 18-year-old has played every game this season after his round one debut for the ladder leaders and has been matched with some of the competition's best small forwards, including Carlton's Jeff Garlett and Adelaide's Eddie Betts.
Impey told AFL.com.au the chatty Ballantyne largely kept his words for some of his more senior Power teammates: "I was pretty happy with the way I played on him, but it was very nerve-racking because he's a game changer and a very exciting player.
"It's been exciting to play on big name players – I was watching them on TV last year and now I'm walking up to them and putting my arm across their chest and defending them.
"[Ken Hinkley] backed me to do the job and it was good to get his trust and the team's trust; he was probably a bit nervous about putting me on [Ballantyne] but it's all paid off."
Impey has impressed with his pace, run and carry and ability against players who have towered him when it comes to experience.
In round six, he came on in the final term against Geelong after starting as the substitute and was involved in the game-sealing goal kicked by Chad Wingard.
From Shepparton in northern Victoria, he was recruited by the Power with pick No.21 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft after playing for the Murray Bushrangers.
He averaged 16 disposals and three tackles in five matches for Vic Country in the national under 18 championships last year.
It wasn't until the last game of the championships he was moved into defence after playing nearly all of his junior football, starting at the age of 10, in the forward line.
"It's very different but it's good that I've added a few strings to my bow and can play in multiple positions," Impey said.
"I know a few of the tricks and how a small forward wants to play as well, so that helps a little bit."
Having played a variety of roles this year, including in attack and through the midfield, Impey has shown his versatility along with the explosive speed and aggression that made him stand out last year.
His quick reaction time –fastest of all at last year's NAB AFL Combine – and decision-making speed (second overall) have made him a positive addition to the backline, where he thinks he'll now stay.
Impey joins Chad Wingard (round 22, 2012), Ollie Wines (round one, 2013) and Jake Neade (round 13, 2013) as Port youngsters to be nominated recently for the award.
Junior club – Shepparton High School Junior Football Club
TAC club – Murray Bushrangers
