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.

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AFL Rising Star: Bodhi Uwland stars in Round 12

Check out the Rising Star for AFL’s Round 12, Bodhi Uwland

Published on Jun 3, 2024

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)