Archie Perkins is the latest Essendon youngster to be nominated for this year’s Rising Star award.
A career-high three goals, 18 disposals and four marks in Essendon’s 63-point win over Adelaide was enough for the 19-year-old to receive the Round 17 gong.
The Sandringham Dragons product is the third Bomber to receive a Rising Star nomination after Nik Cox in Round 12 and Harrison Jones in Round 14.
Perkins credited two senior teammates for helping him settle into life as an Essendon player at Tullamarine.
“There are quite a few senior players that I get along with quite well,” Perkins told Sportsday.
“Probably Andy McGrath, just because he speaks really well to the group, and he’s got a lot of good advice and I knew him beforehand.
“He’s one that I’ve really warmed to as well.
“I get along quite well with Dylan Shiel. He’s got a really good sense of humour.”
Essendon GM of Football Josh Mahoney is pleased with how Perkins has applied himself in his debut season at the elite level.
“We’re pleased for Archie that his season to date has been recognised and his performance on Friday night was exciting to watch,” Mahoney told the club's website.
“Archie has been hungry to continually learn both his forward and midfield craft and we have been seeing improvement week on week since he made his debut in round three against St Kilda.
“We are excited by the chemistry our young players are building on the field and look forward to seeing their continual development in years to come.”
Selected with pick No.9 in the 2020 draft, Perkins has contributed 12 goals in 14 games while averaging 13.5 disposals and 3.2 inside 50s.
Dyson Heppell (2011) and McGrath (2017) are Essendon’s previous Rising Star winners.
