Rowville recruit Will Stephenson earns Round 1 nomination for EFL Young Gun Award

ROWVILLE will be hoping to see a lot more of Will Stephenson this year based on the first showing in his new colours, landing the Round 1 Leader Newspapers Rising Star nomination.

Will Stephenson in action for Rowville on Saturday. Picture: Rowville Football Club

ROWVILLE will be hoping to see a lot more of Will Stephenson this year based on the first showing in his new colours.

Stephenson aligned himself with the Hawks over the summer out of TAC Cup club Gippsland Power after joining VFL club Casey Demons, landing himself the Round 1 nomination for the Leader Newspapers Division 1 and 2 Young Gun Award.

Stephenson impressed off halfback to be among Rowville’s best players in the 17-point win over Norwood on Saturday, proving why the Hawks worked hard over the pre-season to get his signature.

“We were pleased with his ball efficiency, we thought his ball use by foot in particular was outstanding and his pressure and intensity around the contest for an 18-year-old contest on debut was extraordinary,” Rowville coach John Brown said.

“We were really pleased with what we got out of him, we know he is a quality lad but to see that on debut against a quality outfit like Norwood was terrific.”

Stephenson played 18 games for Gippsland Power last year and was 23rd man in one game for Casey Demons, generating some interest from AFL recruiters.

“I met with him several times and he was impressed with the way the club was heading and decided to join Rowville, which was great for us,” Brown said.

“We’re really pleased with the way he is coming along and hopefully we see him a lot this season.”

Stephenson is joined by Division 3 and 4 nominee Luke Hannon of Boronia.

Hannon, a former Eastern Ranges captain, played every senior game last year in his first season at the Hawks and was best afield in the weekend’s 123-point win over Templestowe.