• Vote for 2016's winner at the NAB AFL Rising Star hub
KEN HINKLEY had been campaigning strongly for Darcy Byrne-Jones to earn a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination and the Port Adelaide coach has finally got his wish.
The tough Port defender earned his nomination after a superb shutdown job on Melbourne's Jeff Garlett, restricting the livewire forward to just nine disposals and a goal.
Byrne-Jones, 20, also had 23 disposals and took nine marks to play a significant role in Port Adelaide's 45-point win in Alice Springs.
Hinkley has had a simple message for Byrne-Jones in his eight games, so far: "He's told me to play tough, play the team-way, to stay composed with the ball and don't get overawed by the big stage," Byrne-Jones told AFL.com.au.
Those traits have been clearly detectable in the emerging defender's performances this season. The hype around Byrne-Jones has been consistently rising since he made his debut in round three against Essendon.
"He's played eight of the best first games you'll ever see, and he still hasn't got the nod," Hinkley said after Saturday's game against the Demons.
"It's quite strange. I suppose he's a late pick, maybe that's why, I'm not sure. He deserves to be acknowledged that he's had eight great games."
"I hope that doesn't put the mozz on him, but he's been really good for us."
Garlett had been averaging more than two goals per game heading into Saturday's encounter and, alongside Jesse Hogan, loomed as one Melbourne player who could take the game away from the Power.
But Byrne-Jones, who originates from the Camberwell Junior Football Club, stuck to his task and limited Garlett's effectiveness.
"Jeff's an elite AFL small forward. I had my work cut out for me but I just tried to stay on the job for the whole game," Byrne-Jones said.
"He's a very quick bloke so I just tried to get physical on him and keep him away from the contest.
"He kicks a lot of his goals running back inside 50 with space in front of him, so I just tried to stay between him and the goals and take that out of his game."
Byrne-Jones, pick No.52 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, arrived at Port Adelaide weighing 70kg. The defender now tips the scales at 75kg and is much better equipped to handle the rigours of an AFL match.
"When I got drafted I was a pretty skinny and raw player," Byrne-Jones said.
"When I first got to the club we set out a plan to increase muscle mass and put on weight so I've been doing that for a couple of years now and it's finally starting to pay off."
Byrne-Jones, who is contracted until the end of this season, hopes he can construct a new deal with the Power soon.
"My manager and I will talk to the club so hopefully we can sort something out. There's no worries there," Byrne-Jones said.
Want more?
• Find 2016's nominees and vote for the winner at the NAB AFL Rising Star hub
• How does the Rising Star Award work and who is eligible?
