Gold Coast Academy member Jacob Dawson has been awarded the final NEAFL Rising Star nomination for the 2017 season. 

The 17-year-old midfielder impressed with 24 disposals and 10 clearances in the SUNS’ win over the GIANTS at Metricon Stadium on Saturday. 

The Under-18 Allies squad member made his NEAFL debut as a 16-year-old in 2016 and has been a member of the SUNS Academy since he was 13. 

The Burleigh Bombers junior, who went head-to-head with GIANTS’ midfielder Jacob Hopper at times throughout the match, said he is enjoying the challenge of battling experienced players in the NEAFL. 

“I remember my first NEAFL game last year, I was thrown in to the deep end against the GIANTS in Townsville, and they had Hopper playing in that game aswell,” he said. 

“Tagging a lot of those good players in the competition at times really helps you learn. 

“I love the physicality of the NEAFL and I’m really enjoying playing senior footy.” 

The Rising Star is awarded to the most promising young talent in the NEAFL competition. 

Nominees must be under the age of 21 and played less than 20 senior games (excluding games as AFL Academy players) at the start of the 2017 season. 

The winner of the Rising Star Award will be announced at the 2017 NEAFL Awards Ceremony in Brisbane on Sunday, August 20.