North Melbourne midfielder Ryan Bastinac has earned himself the round 3 rising Star nomination in just his 3rd game of football at the elite level. Bastinac was rewarded with the nomination after playing an important role in North Melbourne’s 25-point victory over West Coast on Saturday, the Kangaroos first win of the season.
Bastinac was pivotal in limiting the output of star Eagles Daniel Kerr and Matt Priddis while at the same time gathering a personal best 25 disposals himself, including 8 contested possessions. The young gun also managed 4 clearances and 5 inside 50’s.
The form of Bastinac was not a once off, in his debut game against Port Adelaide Bastinac racked up 23 disposals including 9 contested possessions.
“Ryan had an outstanding pre-season and he has carried that form through the opening rounds,” said North Melbourne coach Brad Scott.
“We have been really impressed with his rapid development and all North Melbourne supporters should be encouraged by his talent, work ethic and ability.
“We expect big things from Ryan in the future and his performance on Saturday against Daniel Kerr was just one small example of what he’s capable of.”
The 18-year-old was recruited drafted to North Melbourne from Dandenong Stingrays with pick 21 in the 2009 national draft.
