Gold Coast Suns Josh Caddy wins Rising Star nomination

GOLD Coast's Josh Caddy is the Round 16 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

Josh Caddy

GOLD Coast's Josh Caddy is the Round 16 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

The vaunted midfielder kicked a goal and had 15 disposals in the Suns' two-point win over Richmond in Cairns on Saturday, continuing his stellar recent form.

Caddy, the subject of many trade rumours with Essendon last year, had a career-high 27 touches against the Western Bulldogs in Round 8 and booted three goals against Geelong in a narrow Round 15 loss.

Suns coach Guy McKenna said Caddy's nomination topped a positive weekend for the club.

"Josh well and truly deserves his nomination and it is fantastic that he has been recognised,'' McKenna said of the 19-year-old whose debut was delayed until Round 23 last year by foot and groin injuries.

"After such a difficult year in 2011, Josh has been outstanding this season.

"He has displayed maturity and leadership that you don't often see from players in their first or second season of football and has been fulfilling roles on the field well beyond his experience suggests he should be capable of.''

Caddy, taken with pick seven in the 2010 national draft, hasn't missed a senior game since his debut, averaging more than 18 disposals per match.

He captained Northern Knights in the TAC Cup in 2010, represented Vic Metro in the under-18 carnival and was named in the junior All-Australian team.

Essendon's Jake Carlisle is no longer eligible for the Rising Star after accepting a reprimand for rough conduct against Port Adelaide's Paul Stewart.