Massimo D’Ambrosio – Rising Star Nomination
Massimo D’Ambrosio during the Round 16 match between Essendon and the Sydney Swans at the MCG. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images via AFL Photos)
Essendon’s Massimo D’Ambrosio has been named the Round 16 NAB Rising Star nominee.
The 19-year-old arrived at the NEC Hanger via the 2022 Mid-Season Rookie Draft in June, taken with the third overall pick.
D’Ambrosio made a remarkable transition to the AFL, debuting for Essendon only three weeks after he was co-captain of the Western Jets in the NAB League.
In his third AFL game on the weekend, D’Ambrosio had 23 disposals at 78% efficiency, four intercept possessions and three score involvements.
Senior coach Ben Rutten praised D’Ambrosio’s attacking play and defensive attributes after Essendon’s nine-point victory over the Sydney Swans on Saturday.
“The way he backs his kick in and hits targets creates stuff for us. He defends hard as well and knows how to use his body,” Rutten said.
“He’s a great little player. He’s got a really infectious personality.”
“I think he’s still pinching himself – everything’s still brand new for him.”
D’Ambrosio played Auskick before starting junior football with Point Cook Football Club in the Western Region Football League.
He is the third Essendon player to be nominated for the NAB Rising Star this year, joining Nic Martin (Round 1) and Ben Hobbs (Round 14).
Goal of the Year Noms
- Charlie Dixon (Port Adelaide)
- Izak Rankine (Gold Coast SUNS)
- Caleb Serong (Fremantle)
Mark of the Year Noms
- Levi Casboult (Gold Coast SUNS)
- Mitch Georgiades (Port Adelaide)
- Hayden Young (Fremantle)
