Troy Menzel from the Carlton Football Club is the Round 16 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.
The 19-year-old forward is leading the Blues’ goal-kicking tally with 22 majors so far this season.
Menzel kicked two goals and took a career-high eight marks in Carlton’s 85-point win over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, despite copping a heavy bump to his shoulder in the final quarter.
After making his AFL debut in Round Eight last year Menzel played seven games, including the Elimination Final against Richmond. He has played 14 games this year.
His season highlights include kicking the match-winning goal against the West Coast Eagles in Round Six, three goals and one of the marks of the round against the Giants in Round 14, and 15 possessions against Hawthorn in Round 15.
Troy Menzel is available for interview tomorrow:
Tuesday July 8 at 12.30pm
Don Chipp Lecture Theatre
Visy Park
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse said Menzel has been consistent up forward for the Blues this season.
“Troy’s work ethic is just outstanding,” Malthouse said. “He’s such a great team man, who is loved by his teammates, and this nomination is a great reward for a bloke who has put in so much.
“It’s been so pleasing to see his improvement on a week to week basis. The more games he plays, the wiser he gets about his footy.
"His contribution to the team and for his teammates is just terrific – I’m absolutely delighted that he’s been chosen."
Menzel was Carlton’s first round selection (selection 11 overall) in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft. He was recruited from South Australia where he played for Central Districts in the SANFL and the Golden Grove Junior Football Club in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
He represented South Australia the 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and is a graduate of the NAB AFL National Academy.
Menzel is Carlton’s second Rising Star nominee this season, following Dylan Buckley’s nomination in Round Two.
His brother Daniel Menzel, who plays for the Geelong Cats, was a rising star nominee in Round 13, 2011.
Following each round of the home and away season, a panel of judges will select a NAB AFL Rising Star nominee. At the completion of the season, one of these nominees will be chosen as the 2014 NAB AFL Rising Star.
The 2014 NAB AFL Rising Star winner will be awarded the Ron Evans Medal and a $20,000 personal investment folio and a dedicated personal banker, courtesy of NAB.
NAB continues to grow the game by recognising the junior clubs that helped foster the early careers of the nominated players. Each of the 23 clubs will receive a NAB Club Recognition Award valued at $2,500, comprising financial and practical resources. Since supporting the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, NAB has donated over $660,000 worth of resources to junior football clubs through this initiative.
The NAB AFL Rising Star is part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.
NAB has been Footifying Australia since 2002 through the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program which comprises the following elements:
- NAB AFL Rising Star
- NAB AFL Draft
- NAB AFL Draft Combine
- NAB AFL Under-18 Championships
- NAB AFL National Academy
- NAB AFL Under-16 Championships
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