GOLD Coast defender Bodhi Uwland has been rewarded for an exceptional display against Essendon in round 12 with a deserved AFL Rising Star nomination.
The 20-year-old stood up under intense pressure down back as the Bombers threatened to make a late charge, but ultimately the Suns held on for an 11-point victory at People First Stadium.
Uwland took a game-high 13 marks, four intercepts and had 19 disposals at 89.5 per cent efficiency in just his 13th career game.
A graduate of Gold Coast's Academy, Uwland made his debut in the first round of 2023.
He has been hailed as a tough defensive utility who can take contested grabs and lock down his opponent.
Sunday's win moves the Suns into eighth spot on the ladder with a 7-5 record.
Gold Coast next faces St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
2024 Rising Star nominees
OR: Matt Roberts (Sydney)
R1: Ollie Dempsey (Geelong)
R2: George Wardlaw (North Melbourne)
R3: Harvey Gallagher (Western Bulldogs)
R4: Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs)
R5: Harley Reid (West Coast)
R6: Darcy Wilson (St Kilda)
R7: Jake Rogers (Gold Coast)
R8: Caleb Windsor (Melbourne)
R9: Colby McKercher (North Melbourne)
R10: Kai Lohmann (Brisbane)
R11: Harvey Harrison (Collingwood)
R12: Bodhi Uwland (Gold Coast)
